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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Shingles

I am suffering from Shingles since 4 weeks. The nerve pain is terrible. I have been prescribed by my GP Amitriptyline 25mg a day for the nerve pain. But my brother in law , who is a consultant cardiologist has advised me to take 10 mg a day. Please advise me should I take 10 or 25 mg a day?
Thu, 16 Apr 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

For eliminating the PHN (post herpetic Neuralgia) of shingles tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline (most widely used) or nortriptyline can be used. However you should monitor yourself for acute confusion or cardiac arrhythmia, which are the common side effects of the drugs.

Initial dose of amitriptyline is 25 mg at night or 10 mg if you are elderly / frail (as you have not mentioned your age) and weekly increments of 25 mg or 10 mg if elderly / frail. Thus, maximum dose is 75 mg at night (50 mg if elderly / frail).

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Yogapriya Vasudevan, General & Family Physician
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Suggest Treatment For Shingles

Hi, For eliminating the PHN (post herpetic Neuralgia) of shingles tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline (most widely used) or nortriptyline can be used. However you should monitor yourself for acute confusion or cardiac arrhythmia, which are the common side effects of the drugs. Initial dose of amitriptyline is 25 mg at night or 10 mg if you are elderly / frail (as you have not mentioned your age) and weekly increments of 25 mg or 10 mg if elderly / frail. Thus, maximum dose is 75 mg at night (50 mg if elderly / frail). Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Yogapriya Vasudevan, General & Family Physician