Low-dose Amitriptyline Research Articles

Current dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa research does not match research needs perceived by patients and clinicians

Current dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa research does not match research needs perceived by patients and clinicians

Breastfeeding and migraine drugs.

Breastfeeding women may suffer from migraine. While we have many drugs for its treatment and prophylaxis, the majority are poorly studied in breastfeeding women. We conducted a review of the most common anti-migraine drugs (AMDs) and we determined their lactation risk. For each AMD, we collected all retrievable data from Hale's Medications and Mother Milk (2012), from the LactMed database (2014) of the National Library of Medicine, and from a MedLine Search of relevant studies published in the last 10 years. According to our review, AMDs safe during breastfeeding are as follows: low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), ibuprofen, sumatriptan, metoprolol, propranolol, verapamil, amitriptyline, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, acetaminophen, caffeine, and metoclopramide. AMDs compatible with breastfeeding but warranting caution are as follows: diclofenac, ketoprofen, naproxen, most new triptans, topiramate, valproate, venlafaxine, and cyproheptadine. Finally, high-dose ASA, atenolol, nadolol, cinnarizine, flunarizine, ergotamine, methysergide, and pizotifen are contraindicated. According to our review, the majority of the revised AMDs were assessed to be compatible with breastfeeding.

Prospective three-year follow up of a cohort study of 240 patients with chronic facial pain.

Patients often present with facial pain ascribed to sinusitis, despite normal nasal endoscopy and sinus computed tomography. Facial pain is increasingly recognised to be of neurological origin. A cohort of 240 patients with chronic facial pain was followed up for 36 months at an otolaryngological practice in Malta. The types of facial pain were classified according to International Headache Classification criteria. The body mass index, occupation and educational level of patients were compared with the general population. Tension-type mid-facial pain and facial migraine without aura were the most common types of chronic facial pain. The sites of pain, symptoms, treatment and outcomes for these principal pain types are discussed. Patients with mid-facial pain were treated with low-dose amitriptyline for eight weeks. After three years, nearly half of the patients were symptom free, and in a third the pain changed from being chronic to being episodic. The treatment of patients with facial migraine was more varied but the length of time until recurrence of pain was similar. The most effective long-term treatments for tension-type mid-facial pain and facial migraine were low-dose amitriptyline and low-dose amitriptyline and triptans, respectively.

GPs' management strategies for patients with insomnia: a survey and qualitative interview study.

Patients frequently experience sleep problems and present to primary care. However, information is limited regarding the management strategies that GPs employ. To gain an understanding of current GP management strategies for insomnia. A postal questionnaire survey and qualitative interviews with GPs in the south of England. A postal survey of 296 GPs and qualitative interviews were carried out with 23 of the GPs. The survey response rate was 56% (166/296). GPs look for signs of depression and anxiety in patients and if present treat these first. 'Sleep hygiene' advice is provided by 88% (147/166) of GPs but often seems insufficient and they feel under pressure to prescribe. Benzodiazepines and Z drugs are prescribed, often reluctantly, for short periods, because of known problems with dependence and tolerance. Many GPs prescribe low-dose amitriptyline for insomnia although it is not licensed for this indication. For insomnia 95% (157/166) of survey responders 'ever prescribe' amitriptyline, with 31% (52/166) stating they do so commonly. Most GPs perceived amitriptyline to be effective and a longer-term option for those with ongoing sleep problems. GPs report a lack of knowledge and confidence in the provision and use of psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), in the management of insomnia. GPs often find 'sleep hygiene' advice is insufficient for managing insomnia and report frequently prescribing medication, including amitriptyline (off licence), which is often based on perceived patient pressure for a prescription. Patients are rarely offered psychological therapies such as CBT for insomnia, despite evidence suggesting its potential effectiveness.

Electrocardiograms changes in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders on low dose amitriptyline.

To study the effects of low dose amitriptyline on cardiac conduction in children. Secondary analysis of data obtained from a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, evaluating low dose amitriptyline in children with a diagnosis of functional abdominal pain, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome according to the Rome II criteria. Children 8-17 years of age were recruited from the pediatric gastroenterology clinics of 6 tertiary care centers in the United States. The electrocardiograms (EKGs) done prior to initiation of amitrityline and 1 mo after initiation of amitriptyline were examined. The changes in cardiac conduction were evaluated in patients and controls. Thirty children were included in the study. There were 12 patients, ages 9-17 years of both genders, in the amitriptyline treatment group and 18 patients, ages 9-17 years of both genders, in the placebo treatment group. None of the patients had any baseline EKG abnormality. Amitriptyline use was associated with an increase in heart rate (P = 0.024) and QTc interval (P = 0.0107) as compared to pre-EKGs. Children in the placebo group were also noted to present a statistically significant increase in QTc interval (P = 0.0498). None of the patients developed borderline QTc prolongation or long-QT syndrome after they were started on amitriptyline. The study findings suggest that once patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders have been screened for prolonged QTc interval on baseline EKG, they probably do not need a second EKG for reevaluation of cardiac conduction after starting low dose amitriptyline.

Comprehensive curative effect of low dose amitriptyline on globus pharyngis and its side effects and cost analysis

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline (AMT) in the treatment of globus pharyngis and its side effects,cost and onset time.Methods From September 2011 to January 2012 out-patient patients with globus pharyngis in our hospital were collected,30 cases were randomly divided into conventional group (40 mg pantoprazole once daily,n=14) and AMT group (AMT 25 mg at bedtime,n=16) for 4 weeks.The main efficacy endpoint was assessed by Glasgow Edinburgh Throat Scale (GETS) before medication,medication after 3 days,10 days and 4 weeks.Secondary efficacy endpoint included the SF-36,PSQI was assessed before and 4 weeks after treatment.At the same time we recorded side effects and drug onset time.Results 30 cases completed study.In the AMT group,the total effective rate (75％) was significantly better than that of the conventional group (35.71％).Medication for 3 days,the AMT group' s GETS score improvement was significantly better than that of the conventional group [(3.69 ± 1.14)VS(5.64 ± 1.28),P ＜ 0.05].After 4 weeks of treatment,The improvement of GETS,sleep quality,the AMT group was significantly better than that in the conventional group[(1.25 ± 1.84)VS(3.79 ± 2.33),(4.19 ± 2.07)VS(8.5 ± 4.97),P ＜ 0.05].The scores of SF-36 including General Health (GH),Vitality (VT),Social Functioning (SF) and Mental Health (MH) of the AMT group in improving scores were significantly better than those of the conventional group.AMT group's cost was significantly lower than that of the conventional group,P ＜ 0.05.The main side effects were dry mouth,constipation,drowsiness and dizziness in AMT group.Buy dry mouth and drowsiness disappeared 1-2 weeks later.Most of patients could tolerate.Conclusion Low-dose amitriptyhne in the treatment of globus pharyngis is a safe,effective and low consumption therapy.This study provides old drug with new use,which will help reduce patients' medical cost and ensure the implementation of the national system for basic drugs. Key words: Amitriptyline; Globus pharyngis; Treatment effect; Side effects; Cost

Serial blood serotonin levels in a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline, amitriptyline with pindolol and surrogate placebo in patients with chronic tension-type facial pain

Patients often present with chronic facial pain despite normal nasal endoscopy and sinus computerized tomography. Such pain has increasingly been recognized as being of neurological origin with one of the commonest underlying causes being mid-facial segmental tension-type pain (MFP) which is a version of tension headache in the face. Descending serotonergic neuronal projections are known to modulate pain and intra-platelet serotonin levels are an accepted model reflecting central intra-neuronal serotonin. 1.To determine whether low-dose amitriptyline significantly changes whole blood serotonin compared to a surrogate placebo in patients with chronic MFP 2. To determine whether the addition of pindolol, a beta blocker with serotonin receptor blocking properties further alters blood serotonin. Sixty-two patients were randomized to three treatment groups a) amitriptyline , b) amitriptyline with pindolol, and c) loratadine as surrogate placebo. Whole blood serotonin was taken before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Serotonin was also measured in 40 age-matched healthy controls. There was a significant reduction in blood serotonin levels in the amitriptyline with pindolol group. A non-significant reduction was seen in the amitriptyline group, with no change in serotonin levels in the surrogate placebo group. A comparison of change in serotonin with change in pain frequency and intensity scores is presented. Women in the control group had significantly higher serotonin levels than men. Women with tension-type facial pain who failed to respond to treatment had significantly lower blood serotonin than women in the control group. When linked to the clinical response this study provides evidence that the serotonergic system is involved in the modulation of chronic MFP. Serotonin levels are sex-dependent and related to treatment response.

Effect of low dose amitriptyline on gastrointestinal function in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled cross-over study

Objective To explore the effects of low dose amitriptyline (AMT) on gastrointestinal function and its adverse effects in healthy volunteers.Methods In this randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled cross-over study,28 healthy volunteers were divided into AMT with placebo group (n=14) and placebo with AMT group (n=14).The former took AMT for seven days at first stage,followed with a 14 days wash out stage and then took placebo for seven days at second stage.Patients of the latter group took medication in reverse order.The dose of medication was 12.5 mg three times per day.The subjects underwent drinking-ultrasonography test and lactulose hydrogen breath test before taking medication and between the seventh and eighth day of first and second stage.The data were analyzed by two stages cross-over analysis,Wilcoxon signed-rank test and chi-square test.Results The results of drinking-ultrasonography test showed that there were no significant differences in proximal gastric cross-sectional area between AMT and placebo after drinking 200,400,600 and 800 mL water (all P＞ 0.05).After drinking 800 mL water,there were no significant differences in gastric liquid emptying rate between AMT and placebo at the fifth and the tenth minutes (both P＞0.05).After drinking 600 mL and 800 mL water,the visual analogue scale (VAS) of AMT was significantly lower than that of placebo (2.98±0.85 vs 3.57±0.94,Z=4.412,P＜0.01; 4.57±0.98 vs 5.57±0.82,Z=4.170,P＜0.01).The results of lactulose hydrogen breath test revealed that orocecal transit time of AMT was obviously longer than that of placebo ((109.29±29.68) min vs (96.61±23.90) min,F=9.918,P＜0.01)).The common adverse effects were mild sleepiness,bitter taste and dry mouth.Conclusions Low dose AMT can prolong orocecal transit time and improve gastric sensitivity,but can not significantly affect proximal gastric accommodation and gastric liquid emptying.The adverse effects are mild and the safety is good. Key words: Amitriptyline; Gastric emptying; Gastrointestinal motility; Drinking; Gastrointestinal transit; Breath tests

A Randomized Controlled Trial comparing the efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline, amitriptyline with pindolol and surrogate placebo in the treatment of chronic tension-type facial pain

Patients often present to otolaryngologists with chronic facial pain, presumed to be of sinus origin despite normal nasal endoscopy and sinus CT. This pain has increasingly been recognized as being of neurological origin with one of the commonest underlying causes being mid-facial segmental tension-type pain (MFP) which is a version of tension-type headache affecting the midface. 1. To determine whether low-dose amitriptyline reduces pain scores compared to surrogate placebo in patients with chronic MFP. 2. To determine whether the addition of pindolol, a beta blocker with serotonin receptor blocking properties hastens onset of action or improves efficacy of amitriptyline. to determine whether amitriptyline or amitriptyline with pindolol significantly reduces analgesic consumption. Sixty two patients were randomized to three treatment groups (a) amitriptyline 10mg daily (b) amitriptyline 10mg daily with pindolol 5mg twice daily and (c) loratadine 10mg daily. Daily pain scores using a facial pain diary were recorded over eight weeks. At 8 weeks, pain frequency and intensity were significantly reduced in patients treated with amitriptyline and in those receiving amitriptyline with pindolol compared to surrogate placebo. Patients on the combination therapy showed significantly improved clinical outcome and significantly reduced analgesic intake compared to those on amitriptyline alone. Low dose amitriptyline is effective in the management of MFP and is enhanced by the addition of pindolol.

Itch in familial lichen amyloidosis: effective treatment with amitriptyline in two cases

Itch is a characteristic feature of lichen amyloidosis and the symptom can be debilitating. Treatments, however, are generally not effective. We report amitriptyline as a novel therapy in treating itch in two patients with familial lichen amyloidosis who did not respond to prior potent topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. Outcomes of treatment were assessed using the itch score on a visual analog scale, itch frequency, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). After taking amitriptyline 10 mg o.n. for 6 weeks, the itch score of one patient was reduced from 8.5 to 2 of 10, whereas the second patient's itch score was reduced from 5 to 1. In the latter, his DLQI concurrently reduced from 14 to 6 of 30. Pathophysiology of itch in lichen amyloidosis may involve both cutaneous and neural components and amitriptyline is known to be useful for neuropathic itch. Low-dose amitriptyline poses little risk of side effects and may offer an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of itch in familial cutaneous amyloidosis.

Effect of low-dose amitriptyline on globus pharyngeus and its side effects

To compare the efficacy and side effects of low-dose amitriptyline (AMT) with proton pump inhibitor treatment in patients with globus pharyngeus. Thirty-four patients who fulfilled the Rome III criteria for functional esophageal disorders were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 25 mg AMT before bedtime (AMT group) or 40 mg Pantoprazole once daily for 4 wk (conventional group). The main efficacy endpoint was assessed using the Glasgow Edinburgh Throat Scale (GETS). The secondary efficacy endpoints included the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short form health survey [social functioning (SF)-36] and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Treatment response was defined as a > 50% reduction in GETS scores. All patients entering this study recorded side effects at days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 using a visual analogue scale. Thirty patients completed the study. After 4 wk of treatment, the AMT group had a greater response than the conventional group (75% vs 35.7%, P = 0.004). At day 3, the AMT group showed significantly more improvement than the Conventional group in GETS score (3.69 ± 1.14 vs 5.64 ± 1.28, P = 0.000). After 4 wk of treatment, the AMT group showed significantly greater improvement in GETS score and sleep quality than the Conventional group (1.25 ± 1.84 vs 3.79 ± 2.33, 4.19 ± 2.07 vs 8.5 ± 4.97; P < 0.01 for both). Additionally, the AMT group was more likely than the Conventional group to experience improvement in the SF-36, including general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health (P = 0.044, 0.024, 0.049 and 0.005). Dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness and constipation were the most common side effects. Low-dose AMT is well tolerated and can significantly improve patient symptoms, sleep and quality of life. Thus, low-dose AMT may be an effective treatment for globus pharyngeus.

Low-dose amitriptyline combined with proton pump inhibitor for functional chest pain

To investigate the efficacy of amitriptyline with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of functional chest pain (FCP). This was a randomized, open-label trial investigating the addition of low dose amitriptyline (10 mg at bedtime) to a conventional dose of rabeprazole (20 mg/d) (group A, n = 20) vs a double-dose of rabeprazole (20 mg twice daily) (group B, n = 20) for patients with FCP whose symptoms were refractory to PPI. The primary efficacy endpoints were assessed by global symptom score assessment and the total number of individuals with > 50% improvement in their symptom score. The between-group difference in global symptom scores was statistically significant during the last week of treatment (overall mean difference; 3.75 ± 0.31 vs 4.35 ± 0.29, the between-group difference; P < 0.001). Furthermore, 70.6% of patients in group A had their symptoms improve by > 50%, whereas only 26.3% of patients in group B had a similar treatment response (70.6% vs 26.3%, P = 0.008). Specifically, patients in group A had a significantly greater improvement in the domains of body pain and general health perception than did patients in group B (52.37 ± 17.00 vs 41.32 ± 12.34, P = 0.031 and 47.95 ± 18.58 vs 31.84 ± 16.84, P = 0.01, respectively). Adding amitriptyline to a PPI was more effective than a double-dose of PPI in patients with FCP refractory to a conventional dose of PPI.

A Randomized Controlled Trial comparing the efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline, amitriptyline with pindolol and surrogate

A Randomized Controlled Trial comparing the efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline, amitriptyline with pindolol and surrogate

Serial blood serotonin levels in a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline, amitriptyline with pindolol and surrogate placebo in patients with chronic tension-type facial pain

Serial blood serotonin levels in a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline, amitriptyline with pindolol and surrogate placebo in patients with chronic tension-type facial pain

Effect of amitriptyline on gastrointestinal function and brain-gut peptides: A double-blind trial

To study the effects of low-dose amitriptyline (AMT) on gastrointestinal function and brain-gut peptides in healthy Chinese volunteers. This was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, two-period cross-over trial. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers were randomised and administered 1-wk treatments of AMT (12.5 mg tid) or placebo. Before and during the final two days of treatment, gastric emptying, proximal gastric accommodation and visceral sensitivity were measured by drinking-ultrasonography test; the orocecal transit time (OCTT) was measured by lactulose hydrogen breath test, and fasting blood was collected. Plasma levels of ghrelin, motilin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. AMT slowed the OCTT (109.2 ± 29.68 min vs 96.61 ± 23.9 min, P = 0.004) but did not affect liquid gastric emptying and had no effect on proximal gastric accommodation. AMT resulted in decreases in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for difficulty in drinking 600 and 800 mL of water (3.57 ± 0.94 vs 2.98 ± 0.85, 5.57 ± 0.82 vs 4.57 ± 0.98, P < 0.01 for both), although it had no significant effect on the VAS for difficulty in drinking 200 mL and 400 mL of water. AMT significantly increased the plasma ghrelin level (442.87 ± 176.79 pg/mL vs 526.87 ± 158.44 pg/mL, P = 0.04) and the neuropeptide-Y level (890.15 ± 131.46 pg/mL vs 965.64 ± 165.63 pg/mL, P = 0.03), whereas it had no effect on the MTL level. Low-dose AMT could slow OCTT, make the stomach less sensitive and increase the plasma levels of ghrelin and NPY. Thus, we recommend the use of low-dose AMT for functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Antidepressants in Haemodialysis Patients

The co-morbidity of depressive disorder and chronic kidney failure is remarkably common. However, knowledge about the influence of haemodialysis on the serum concentration of antidepressants is sparse. In this study we examined the influence of haemodialysis on the serum concentrations of the antidepressants amitriptyline (and its active metabolite nortriptyline) and mirtazapine. The authors retrospectively evaluated therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-analyses obtained in eight different regional medical dialysis centres before and after haemodialysis and compared serum concentrations of amitriptyline and mirtazapine using t-tests. Mean serum concentrations of the sum of amitriptyline + nortriptyline (before: 75.52 ng/mL; after: 59.35 ng/mL; p < 0.001) and mirtazapine (before: 53.45 ng/mL; after: 38.31 ng/mL; p < 0.036) decreased significantly with haemodialysis. Haemodialysis patients received rather low doses of amitriptyline (mean 36.5 mg; SD 17.6; range 10-75 mg) and mirtazapine (mean 24.7 mg; SD 9.1; range 15-45 mg). For haemodialysis patients with depression an adequate antidepressant drug dosage must be administered. TDM is necessary in order to optimize antidepressant therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Migraine With Low-Dose Propranolol or Amitriptyline

This study evaluated the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic measures combined with low-dose propranolol or amitriptyline for treating severe pediatric migraine. Data were collected from the medical files of 118 patients (mean age, 12.54 ± 3.14 years S.D.). All were treated with nonpharmacologic measures. In addition, 93 children received propranolol (mean initial dose, 0.4 ± 0.17 mg/kg/day S.D.), and 25 received amitriptyline (mean initial dose, 0.26 ± 0.1 mg/kg/day S.D.). Twenty patients were switched from propranolol to amitriptyline during treatment. In both groups, headache frequency was reduced by >50% per month in ~80% of patients. Patients without aura responded significantly better to propranolol than patients with aura (P = 0.02). No significant difference was evident in response to pharmacologic treatment by migraine frequency or type (episodic chronic). No significant difference was evident in response to amitriptyline between patients with or without aura. The response rate was higher than previously reported for placebo. Low-dose propranolol and low-dose amitriptyline, when combined with nonpharmacologic measures, are equally effective in reducing the frequency of migraine in children. Propranolol is preferred because of its lower risk of side effects. An additive effect of nonpharmacologic measures may allow for a reduction in drug dose.

Effect of Low-Dose Amitriptyline on Autonomic Functions and Peripheral Blood Flow in Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study

Amitriptyline (10-50mg) is the most common drug prescribed for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Amitriptyline influences the autonomic nervous system, as is well known; fibromyalgia is also associated with dysautonomia. The present preliminary study was designed to observe the effects of amitriptyline prescribed in a low dose (10mg) on the autonomic function tests and blood flow measurements in well-diagnosed patients with fibromyalgia. Amitriptyline (10mg) was prescribed for 3 months to 21 female patients with fibromyalgia. A standard battery of noninvasive autonomic function tests comprising of lying to standing test, hand grip test, cold pressor test, deep breathing test, and Valsalva maneuver was performed both before and after amitriptyline therapy to study the autonomic reactivity of the patients with fibromyalgia. Heart rate variability analysis was done to quantify autonomic tone (activity). Blood flow measurement around the knee joint was performed using impedance plethysmography technique. The patients were also assessed for 10 major clinical symptoms of primary fibromyalgia and state and trait anxiety (state and trait anxiety inventory) at both instances. No significant changes in autonomic activity (tone) and reactivity were observed after amitriptyline therapy. Clinical symptom score and anxiety scores (both state and trait) decreased significantly from the pretreatment values. Blood flow measurement showed significant improvement in blood flow index values at the affected sites after amitriptyline therapy. Amitriptyline therapy (10mg for 3 months) increases blood flow to the affected sites. It does not affect autonomic tone and reactivity in the patients with fibromyalgia.

Trends in primary care antidepressant prescribing 1995-2007: a longitudinal population database analysis

Antidepressant prescribing is increasing worldwide, prompting policy interventions and targets to halt the rise. To examine time trends in GP antidepressant prescribing using patient-level data. Longitudinal population database of all community pharmacy dispensed prescriptions for all 325,000 residents of the Tayside region of Scotland. In each of 3 study years (1995/1996, 2000/2001 and 2006/2007), the volume of antidepressants prescribed was calculated, and numbers of patients prescribed antidepressants in each year, mean treatment duration, and mean dose per patient in that year examined using descriptive statistics. Total drug volume increased threefold between 1995/1996 and 2006/2007, largely driven by increases in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribing, and laterally also in 'other' antidepressant prescribing. Tricyclic prescribing is static, but low-dose amitriptyline increasingly dominates this drug class. Increased drug volume was initially driven by increasing patient numbers (from 8.0% of the population prescribed at least once in 1995/1996 to 11.9% in 2000/2001) and increased treatment duration (from 170 days in the measurement year to 200). Latterly, drug volume increases are increasingly attributable to longer duration of treatment and higher mean daily dose. The large rise in antidepressant volumes is caused by a complex mixture of more patients being prescribed SSRI and 'other' antidepressants, the use of higher doses, and longer durations of treatment, with the balance changing overtime. Tricyclic prescribing is now largely low dose, and probably for conditions other than depression. Interventions to improve the quality of antidepressant prescribing need to be more subtle than blanket targets to reduce the total volume of antidepressants prescribed.

Low-dose amitriptyline for treatment of persistent arm pain due to repetitive use

Amitriptyline is sometimes used to treat arm pain related to repetitive use, but rigorous evidence of its benefit is lacking. This randomized controlled trial investigated whether amitriptyline provided greater pain relief or improved arm function than a placebo pill in adults with arm pain associated with repetitive use that had persisted for at least 3 months. Participants ( N = 118) were randomly assigned to receive 25 mg of amitriptyline or a placebo pill for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was intensity of pain (10-point numerical rating scale) and secondary outcomes were arm symptoms, arm function, grip strength, mood, and sleep. Assessments were done at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks of treatment, and 1 month after the treatment ended. Changes in arm pain were not statistically significant. However, the amitriptyline group improved more than the placebo group in arm function ( p = 0.023) and sense of well being ( p = 0.034). In a longitudinal analysis, the amitriptyline group’s arm function score improved 0.45 points per week faster than placebo after adjusting for subject characteristics ( p = 0.015). At the treatment’s midpoint, the amitriptyline group reported more “troublesome side-effects” than the placebo group (52.5% vs. 27.1%, p = 0.005), but this difference decreased by the end of the treatment (30.5% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.30). The most frequent side effect was drowsiness. In conclusion, this study found that low-dose amitriptyline did not significantly decrease arm pain among these participants but did significantly improve arm function and well being. Future research is needed to explore the effects of higher doses and longer duration of treatment.