The study directed to define and compare the pharmacotherapeutic efficiencies two tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) medications; Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline for masticatory myofascial pain (MFP) management.
Masticatory
myofascial pain (MFP) is a regional muscle pain distinguished by pain and
localized muscle tenderness. The comparative analysis of two Tricyclic
antidepressants (TCAs) showed that Nortriptyline (NOR) exhibited better
efficacy better tolerated than than Amitriptyline (AMI).
The study directed to define and compare the pharmacotherapeutic efficiencies two tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) medications; Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline for masticatory myofascial pain (MFP) management.
A total of 50
patients selected; 20 were subjected to NOR treatment after discontinuing AMI
due to adverse effects, and 30 took AMI only. The comparison of baseline and
post-treatment scores were reported by using pain diaries recording verbal pain
scores (VPS). Data was analysed by applying t-tests and chi-square.
Both groups
exhibited a significantly lower mean ± standard deviation VPS score at the end
of treatment and achieved a clinically meaningful (≥ 50%) difference. Both
groups exhibited similar primary VPS scores. However, at the study end, lower
final VPS along with better 50% improvement rate was shown by NOR group. The
patients who achieved a ≥ 50% success rate used the same maximal dosages.
TCAs are efficient in
lessening pain in chronic MFP patients. NOR appears more efficacious and better
tolerated than AMI, although further data are required to verify these
conclusions due to study limitations.
J Oral Facial Pain Headache
Nortriptyline Compared to Amitriptyline for the Treatment of Persistent Masticatory Myofascial Pain
Haviv Y et al.
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