Amitriptyline for Pain

As a type of tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil^®) is a medication commonly prescribed for treating depression in adults and adolescents (age 12 and older). However, a healthcare provider may occasionally prescribe amitriptyline for other, non-approved uses (or "off-label" uses). One of these uses includes treating pain.

When using this medication for pain, amitriptyline can help relieve the symptoms of a couple of conditions. First, amitriptyline can help treat chronic pain that is nerve-related, such as nerve pain from having shingles (including postherpetic neuralgia). Amitriptyline has also been used to treat pain and other symptoms caused by fibromyalgia.

(For more information on using amitriptyline for pain, click Amitriptyline Uses. This article also explains how amitriptyline works, why it is not safe for younger children, and other possible off-label uses.)