Medicinsk godkendt artikel
Amitriptyline is used as a preventive medicine for migraines and tension headaches
Amitriptyline is primarily developed to treat depression, but it has later been shown to also have an effect on migraines and chronic tension headaches. Pêşniyarî ye, ji ber ku amitriptyline yek çêtirîn ji bo dermankirina serêşokê kronîk tenişta, lê ji ber ku amitriptyline je çêtirîn amûrkirinê ye.
Amitriptyline increases the concentration of painkillers in the central nervous system and provides a more restful night's sleep.
Amitriptyline does not remove the headache, but a realistic treatment goal is a 30% reduction. For some more, for others less. The action of amitriptyline, as a rule, begins after 1-3 weeks.
The most frequent side effects are dry mouth, fatigue and weight gain. Appetite can increase without noticing it, but the metabolism does not change. It is therefore recommended to regularly check the weight. Amitriptyline does not have any effect on metabolism, and you can therefore counteract weight gain by eating as usual.
Alcohol can amplify the dulling effect. Thorough tooth brushing and regular dental visits is important, as dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. You need to be careful when driving when starting treatment.
Before starting treatment, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is required. If the final dose is 40 mg daily or higher, ECG should be checked again one week after the final dose has been achieved.
The initial dose is 10 mg for a week. Henceforth, the dose may be increased by 10 mg per week for efficacy or some side effects, but to a maximum of 70 mg per day, unless otherwise agreed with the doctor. We recommend that you take the medicine 1-2 hours before going to bed.
Once the correct final dose has been found, it should be taken daily for ½-1 years, after which the dose can often be slowly scaled down in consultation with the doctor. However, some patients need to use amitriptyline for a longer period of time.
