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Shingles

Skin Health | Last Active: Nov 2 2:25pm | Replies (16)

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@springer1961

Why is amitriptyline prescribed for shingles?
Amitriptyline is an old medicine, originally used at high doses (75-150 mg) to treat depression but now used at low dose for nerve pain. A small study published in 1997 suggested that taking a low dose (25 mg) of amitriptyline early on may help prevent post-herpetic neuralgia.

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Replies to "Why is amitriptyline prescribed for shingles? Amitriptyline is an old medicine, originally used at high doses..."

It is also given in low dose for IBS patients. It has helped some friends of mine greatly.

My guess is that it boosts the Serotonin level in the brain and it effects your mood which could help with pain. Just a guess.

Amitriptyline seems to be cv prescribed for many conditions of people and their pets. My cat was prescribed it for years for idiopathic cystitis. It helped her a lot.