Clinical evaluation of amitriptyline for the control of chronic pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders

Cranio. 2003 Jul;21(3):221-5. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2003.11746254.

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is characterized by a combination of symptoms affecting the temporomandibular joint and/or chewing muscles. The two most common clinical TMD symptoms are pain and dysfunction. Pain is usually caused by dysfunction, and emergency therapy has focused on controlling it. Recent investigations into TMD have led to the recommendation of antidepressants as a supporting treatment against constant neuralgic pain. The aim of this double-blind study was to verify the efficiency of antidepressants (amitriptyline) as a support in the treatment of chronic TMD pain. Twelve female volunteers presenting chronic TMD pain were divided into two groups and treated for 14 days: Group 1 with 25 mg/day of amitriptyline and Group 2 with a placebo. The intensity of pain and discomfort was evaluated daily, using a visual analog scale (VAS), over a period of seven days preceding the treatment (baseline), during the 14-day treatment, and for seven days after the treatment. The results revealed a significant reduction of pain and discomfort in Group 1 (75%) compared to Group 2 (28%) during the three weeks beginning at baseline (p < 0.01). Amitriptyline proved to be an efficient alternative treatment for chronic pain in TMD patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Amitriptyline / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Facial Pain / drug therapy*
  • Facial Pain / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pain Measurement
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / complications*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Amitriptyline