Pain is a chemical response to trauma; it is the way the body signals to the brain that it has taken damage and requires attention. Acute pain is often more severe, but short-lived, whereas chronic pain can last months or years and hurts overall physical and mental health. Chronic pain can cause muscle tension, increased blood pressure, and mental health concerns like depression. Chronic pain can affect sleep, appetite, social life, work and relationships.
Pain and depression go hand in hand with up to 50% of chronic pain sufferers forming depression according to Dr Kathleen Smith. Just as mental health issues can affect the body, chronic pain can cause problems in the mind as well as the body. These issues cause a massive impact on public health, costing billions of pounds per year according to the NHS. Amitriptyline is a medication that people can use to effectively treat chronic pain and other conditions.
Amitriptyline is a medication that can be used to effectively treat chronic pain. It was originally developed as an anti-depressant; however, it works in the same part of the brain as pain medications and can be used safely for the off-label treatment of pain. It is a tricyclic antidepressant offering sedative effects which has been utilized to treat these problems since its FDA approval in 1961. Amitriptyline was originally sold under the brand name Elavil and is now available as a generic drug.
Chronic pain can last for months or years after the initial injury has occurred, whether through damaged nerves, or other physiological factors. This consistent pain can cause a lack of sleep and lead to depression and anxiety. Amitriptyline is commonly used to treat nerve pain, back pain, migraines and tension headaches. Arthritis, osteoporosis and bulging or ruptured discs can all contribute to back pain for example and should be treated with medication.
Amitriptyline as a pain treatment brings about feelings of well-being and relaxation. It relieves anxiety and tension and acts as a relaxant, helping to dull chronic pain. These feelings help to dull chronic pain, resulting in better sleep which in turn aids the healing process. People using this medication also report an increase in energy levels, which may allow people to get exercise or physical therapy to deal with the causes of the pain symptoms.
Amitriptyline is also commonly used for depression and also sleep disorders. The same feelings of well-being and relaxation assist in both of these conditions. In the case of people with depression, this treatment was the original use of the drug and so it is known to be effective. Treatment of sleep disorders is another off-label use and the medication is commonly given to remedy this illness due to its effectiveness.
By inhibiting the function of serotonin and norepinephrine transporters in the central nervous system, Amitriptyline can effectively increase the amount of these chemicals in the brain and produce an analgesic effect. By blocking the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, the drug can help the body deal with pain symptoms. Although it sounds like a complex process, the medication simply regulates the brains chemicals that affect mood, sleep and happiness.
The effect is long-lasting, with Amitriptyline having a half-life of up to 20 hours. This gives people suffering from chronic pain a level of surety that their symptoms will be managed for extended periods. This long-lasting effect can help stop people from waking up in pain, or from needing to continually dose during the day except for in extreme cases of pain. These factors make this a popular medication for people suffering from chronic pain, especially people who suffer from migraines.
For best results always take Amitriptyline as instructed and stick to the recommended dosages. There are several ways to naturally boost serotonin, and some people taking this medication might find them effective. If possible, getting regular exercise is a great way to release serotonin - jogging or walking in particular. Get out in the sunshine as often as possible for 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce stress as much as possible, and try adding yoga, meditation or massages to the routine for best results.
It is recommended to take Amitriptyline in lower doses when dealing with chronic pain so that it can be used long-term. It comes in a 50 mg dose which is effective for this usage. To avoid drowsiness this can be taken at bedtime so the side effects go unnoticed. If taken specifically for sleep, the nightly dose can be increased to 100 mg. People taking this medication should be aware that the maximum daily dose is 150 mg, so ensure that the medication is taken within this limit for safety.
When taking Amitriptyline be sure to follow all instructions for dosing. If you miss a dose of the medication, it is ok to take it within a few hours. If it is close to the next dose period it may be better to wait. Remember to stick to the maximum dosage of 150 mg in 24 hours.
Store Amitriptyline in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light, and do not freeze. Keep the medication in the packaging until use, unless using a pill box. These medical aids may be used to ensure correct dosage amounts and times per day, this can increase the safety of taking medication especially if multiple tablets are being used per day.
Effectively resolving the symptoms of pain has a host of benefits and will greatly improve the quality of life for people taking Amitriptyline. The physical and mental benefits of being pain-free are immense and can help people lead a normal life whilst dealing with the cause of pain. People who have dealt with pain, lack of sleep or depression long term will notice a huge difference in their health and overall outlook on life when taking this medication. There is no need to suffer when great treatments like this exist.
Generic medications like Amitriptyline are readily available to buy online, making them convenient and a preferred choice, especially for people who may not have the strength or energy to get to a pharmacy to buy medication. With the guarantee of being fully tested for safety and quality, and the approval of government agencies it is hard to deny that these medications are the best way to resolve chronic pain. Amitriptyline will greatly benefit the lifestyle of its users through effective pain management and proper sleep.
Some minor side effects may accompany the use of Amitriptyline. These side effects should normally be minimal and if taken at night will go mostly unnoticed. Some side effects are to be expected in medication that affects the central nervous system and are nothing to worry about. Following the instructions on the packaging and drinking plenty of water when taking the medication can help reduce these side effects so try to stay hydrated. Some of the potential side effects experienced when taking Amitriptyline are:
In addition to staying hydrated, avoid recreational drugs and alcohol when taking this medication as they can increase the chance of experiencing side effects. As this medication has a long half-life, the side effects may be experienced for a long period as the medication is metabolised. When first taking the medication, it may be worthwhile taking a lower dose to allow the body to adjust to the drug. It is best to take this medication at night to avoid these side effects and get the most out of the medication.
Amitriptyline may be affected by other medications or pre-existing medical conditions. If already taking other medication it is advised to read the full details of the product information and check for any negative interactions before use. People with heart problems, epilepsy, liver or kidney disease, diabetes or who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding should not use this medication. If the patient is currently taking medication or has other health concerns it is advised to seek professional advice before using Amitriptyline.
Amitriptyline is safe to use and is backed by the Food and Drugs Administration. It has been tested for safety and efficacy and has a long history of use showing that it is a safe medication when used correctly. This website contains reviews on the product page - people seeking more real-life information can read these reviews to get a better idea of how the drug works and if it is safe to take.
Amitriptyline is effective pain relief for people with chronic pain as shown by its approval and customer reviews. People can use this medication with full faith in its abilities and quality. Be sure to always follow all instructions when using this medication and use it exactly as directed to ensure safe use. For a full list of the potential side effects, interactions and instructions for use of Amitriptyline please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet available at www.stretta-therapy.com.
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