Amitriptyline
Low-dose amitriptyline (10–25 mg at night) for nerve pain, migraine and tension headache prevention. Dangerous in overdose.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Neuropathic pain, post-herpetic neuralgia | 10–25 mg at night, increase slowly to 50–75 mg |
| Migraine or tension headache prevention | 10 mg at night, increasing to 25–75 mg |
Cautions
- Dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, urinary retention, weight gain.
- Avoid after recent MI, arrhythmias; caution in glaucoma and prostatic enlargement.
- Highly toxic in overdose (wide QRS, fits): prescribe small quantities to people at risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting dose of amitriptyline for nerve pain?
10 mg at night, increased gradually.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Amitriptyline is covered in our textbook chapter Analgesics and NSAIDs, with practice MCQs.