Long-term follow-up of patients with atypical facial pain treated with amitriptyline

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of low-dose amitriptyline in patients with atypical facial pain for one-year follow-ups.

Patients and methods: Sixteen patients, ten females and six males, ranging in age from 15 to 77 years (mean 46.6 +/- 15.95 years), participated in the study. The onset, duration and temporal pattern of pain, events related to pain, drugs used before treatment and side effects of amitriptyline were recorded. The severity of pain was evaluated by using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were followed for up to 12 months.

Results: The results showed that the onset of pain was related to dental pain in half of patients; and 10 patients had continuous pain. The mean VAS scores for pretreatment, post treatment, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 9.6, 4.8, 2, 0.8, 0.3 respectively. In 12 patients, pain was reduced at the first month (p<0.05). All patients, except one, were pain-free at 12 months. It was statistically significant in achieving pain relief for 12 months (p<0.05). The common side effects of the drug were dry mouth and drowsiness.

Conclusion: Data obtained from this study suggested that amitriptyline may be preferred in patients with atypical facial pain for rapid, satisfying analgesic effects. Long-term follow-up should be conducted to determine the analgesic effects and to prevent recurrence, even if the analgesic effect occurs in a short time.