| Title: | Analgesic Efficacy and Tolerability of Amitriptyline versus Mianserin in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Controlled Pilot Trial |
| Researcher: | Suratsawadee Wangnamthip, Sarasate Eiamtanasate, Nattha Saisavoey, Thanompong Sathienluckana, Lucksika Suthisiltham, Skaorat Panchoowong, Isaraporn Tipapakoon, Pramote Euasobhon, Mark P. Jensen, Wanna Srirojanakul |
| Degree: | Doctor of Pharmacy Program in Pharmaceutical Care |
| Major: | Pharm.D. (Pharm.Care) |
| Faculty of study: | Pharmacy |
| Academic year: | 2568 (2025) |
| Published: | Journal of Pain Research 2025,Volume 18, Pages 6829-6847. Click |
Abstract
Purpose: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a complex, disabling condition that often necessitates multimodal treatment. Although tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants are recommended as adjunctive therapy, comparative efficacy data remain extremely limited.
Patients and methods: We conducted a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial in 24 individuals with CLBP to compare the efficacy and safety of amitriptyline with mianserin. Participants received amitriptyline (n = 15) or mianserin (n = 9) for 12 weeks with titrated dosing. Pain intensity (primary outcome), adverse effects, disability, health utility, quality of life, and psychological function were recorded at baseline and at each follow-up visit.
Results: Participants in both groups reported significant within-group reductions in pain intensity from baseline to week 12. Mianserin was associated with a large effect size improvement (Cohen’s d = -1.40; 95% CI -2.71 to -0.08), and amitriptyline was associated with a medium effect size improvement (d = -0.55; 95% CI -1.19 to 0.08). Amitriptyline significantly improved EQ-5D-5L utility scores (Δ=+0.116, p=0.008; d=0.61, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.09) but was associated with more anticholinergic effects than mianserin. Mianserin was better tolerated; only transient drowsiness was reported. Different benefits were noted in some outcome measures as a function of treatment condition: amitriptyline reduced stress by week 6, whereas mianserin lowered anxiety at weeks 6 and 12.
Conclusion: Both amitriptyline and mianserin appear to provide comparable adjunctive efficacy for CLBP. Mianserin may be more tolerable and cost-effective in resource-limited settings, although it is not yet approved for pain indications.
Keywords: amitriptyline, antidepressants, chronic low back pain, mianserin, pain management, quality of life, randomised controlled trial.
ผศ. ดร. ถนอมพงษ์ เสถียรลัคนา – Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanompong Sathienluckana. 2568 (2025). Analgesic Efficacy and Tolerability of Amitriptyline versus Mianserin in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Controlled Pilot Trial. บทความ (Paper). วิทยาศาสตร์สุขภาพ|Health Science. เภสัชศาสตร์ (Pharmacy). เภสัชศาสตรบัณฑิต ภ.บ. (การบริบาลทางเภสัชกรรม) – Pharm.D. (Pharm.Care). หลักสูตรเภสัชศาสตรบัณฑิต สาขาวิชาการบริบาลทางเภสัชกรรม – Doctor of Pharmacy Program in Pharmaceutical Care. Bangkok: Siam University
