Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Leg Pain While On Amitriptyline In A Diabetic Patient?
Question: My Dad has Diabetes. He is now having severe leg pain and has been put on Amitriptyline. Since starting the Amitriptyline the pain is worse and his legs give way causing him to fall. Dad has a complicated history with Diabetes including Osteomyelitis (though this is now resolved) can the Amitriptyline been causing my Dads symptoms? I have told him to stop taking them as this conincides with starting Amitriptyline and we are at the doctors tomorrow the earliest appointment I can get. Please help
Brief Answer:
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Amitriptyline can cause a sense of imbalance and consequently falling. You must discuss this with the doctor who prescribed it and consider alternative agents if possible to control the leg pain.
It is used for 'neuropathy' ie nerve related pain typically caused by diabetes. Other medications can be used which have less of the imbalance type of side effects.
Other potential causes of the leg pain and imbalance also need to be explored.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
Calcium
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Folate
Yes
Detailed Answer:
Amitriptyline can cause a sense of imbalance and consequently falling. You must discuss this with the doctor who prescribed it and consider alternative agents if possible to control the leg pain.
It is used for 'neuropathy' ie nerve related pain typically caused by diabetes. Other medications can be used which have less of the imbalance type of side effects.
Other potential causes of the leg pain and imbalance also need to be explored.
When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:
CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
Calcium
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Folate
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
If it is due to amitriptyline and medication is stopped will the neuropathy right itself or is he like scarred for life now
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Well the neuropathy can likely be managed with other medications.
As far as the general nature of the nerve problem in diabetes is concerned, many a time it is indeed irreversible.
How far the condition has progressed in his case depends on the findings on physical examination. More testing such as Nerve Conduction studies can shed more light.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Well the neuropathy can likely be managed with other medications.
As far as the general nature of the nerve problem in diabetes is concerned, many a time it is indeed irreversible.
How far the condition has progressed in his case depends on the findings on physical examination. More testing such as Nerve Conduction studies can shed more light.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
