Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Post-herpetic neuralgia - Management
Amitriptyline (neuropathic pain): starting dose

Age from 18 years onwards
Amitriptyline: titrate up from 10mg daily until pain settles
Amitriptyline 10mg tablets
Take one tablet at night. If pain does not settle, gradually increase the dose by one tablet (10mg) at night depending on response and if tolerated. Do not take more 75mg daily unless instructed by your doctor.
Supply 28 tablets.
Age: from 18 years onwards
NHS cost: £1.12
Licensed use: no - off-label indication
Patient information: You do not have to increase the dose any further once the pain has settled, so, for example, if the pain is controlled by taking 2 tablets at night, there is no need to increase the dose any further.

You should trial the medicine for 6 to 8 weeks (if tolerated), with at least 2 weeks at the maximum tolerated dose, before deciding it is not effective.

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement