Long before, a significant number of experts have noted that multiple sclerosis is a mysterious auto-immune chronic disease, whose known impacts involve the damage to the sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It was found that some of the symptoms may include numbness, impairment of speech and of muscular coordination, blurred vision, and severe fatigue. That being said, researchers have recently that apart from treating depression, some antidepressants can be used for pain management in multiple sclerosis (MS).
One of which is Amitriptyline or commonly known as Elavil, which is a tricyclic antidepressant which works by blocking the effects of two neurotransmitters called noradrenaline and serotonin. In cases of multiple sclerosis, It was found that amitriptyline is usually consumed in lower doses for the treatment of neuropathic or nerve pain, such as burning sensations, pins and needles or stabbing pains.
Amitriptyline And Its Properties
According to reports revealed by Multiple Sclerosis News Today, Amitriptyline is taken orally and is used to treat multiple sclerosis patients who may be suffering from nerve pain in the limbs. Experts say that the drug has the ability to change the way that nerves in the central nervous system react to pain. However, although it sheds light to possible pain management, experts do not forget to emphasize that possible side effects of the drug may include a black tongue, mouth pain, strange taste in the mouth, appetite or weight changes, gastric disorders, problems in urination, and sexual changes such as decreased sex drive, difficulty in orgasming, and even impotence.
Amitriptyline: The Key To Multiple Sclerosis?
Meanwhile, as per Multiple Sclerosis Trust, it was found that Amitriptyline is an antidepressant drug licensed to treat moderate to severe depression. Experts have also noted that some of the less common yet more serious side effects may include the risk of suicidal tendencies in children, teenager and young adults who also suffer from depression or psychiatric problems at the same time. Doctors have highly emphasized that these serious side effects usually occur during the first few months of treatment or after a change in dosage.
