Description
What is Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline is a prescription medicine used primarily to treat symptoms of depression, but at low doses it is commonly used for chronic nerve pain, tension headaches, and sleep disorders. It belongs to a group of medicines called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), which work by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain to improve mood and relieve pain.
Although originally developed as an antidepressant, Amitriptyline is now more frequently prescribed in low doses (like 10mg) to help with conditions such as fibromyalgia, sciatica, migraine prevention, and neuropathic pain. It can also help people who have difficulty sleeping due to pain or anxiety.
The 10mg dose is typically taken once a day, usually in the evening or before bedtime, as it has a sedating effect. This 28-tablet pack is commonly issued for initial treatment courses or as a repeat prescription for ongoing management.
What does Amitriptyline treat?
- Chronic nerve pain – including sciatica, post-herpetic neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathy.
- Sleep problems – especially when linked to pain or anxiety.
- Fibromyalgia and muscle pain
- Migraine prevention
- Low mood or depression – less commonly at this low dose.
How does Amitriptyline work?
Amitriptyline increases the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain by blocking their reabsorption. These chemicals are involved in regulating mood and pain signals. At low doses, the pain-relieving and sedative effects are more prominent than the antidepressant effect.
