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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Prescribed Nortriptyline. Have Pain In Neck And Shoulders Due To Arthritis. Do Not Want Long-term Drug

My dr prescribed nortriptyline for my chronic pain , but I have reservations taking it. I took it several years ago, but stopped because I did not like the way it made me feel (can t remember exactly how I felt), and I did gain weight. it is for depression , and I do not suffer from that. I have pain due to arteritis in my neck and shoulders. I don t want to be on any long term drug, and I certainly do not want to be on something for depression. I don t like taking pain meds as it is. Suggestions?
Thu, 26 Sep 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Dear friend,

Thanks for posting your query on this website. I can fully appreciate your concern for your problem. I will try to explain in simple language.

1. I agree with you that Nortriptyline is primarily an anti-depressant. however it is also a good pain killer, mainly the pain caused by diseased or compressed nerves. It has a limited role in alleviating pain in arthritis.

2. Perhaps, you have cervical spondylosis causing compression over the emerging nerves. In such cases, one gets tingling, numbness, shooting pains in one or both arms. Use of NTP was justified if you did have these symptoms.

3. In case, you did not have symptoms of nerves' compression, you may certainly stop NTP.

4. There is no specific treatment of arthritis. Passive exercises of neck and shoulder joints will help to some extent.

I am confident that you will certainly benefit from the advice.

May I assure you that I am always available for your assistance and will try my best to cure your condition to the best of my experience and knowledge.

Please feel free to revert back to me in case of further clarifications, if any.

HAVE A NICE DAY AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY.

Fond Regards,

Dr.(Col) R Karanwal
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Prescribed Nortriptyline. Have Pain In Neck And Shoulders Due To Arthritis. Do Not Want Long-term Drug

Dear friend, Thanks for posting your query on this website. I can fully appreciate your concern for your problem. I will try to explain in simple language. 1. I agree with you that Nortriptyline is primarily an anti-depressant. however it is also a good pain killer, mainly the pain caused by diseased or compressed nerves. It has a limited role in alleviating pain in arthritis. 2. Perhaps, you have cervical spondylosis causing compression over the emerging nerves. In such cases, one gets tingling, numbness, shooting pains in one or both arms. Use of NTP was justified if you did have these symptoms. 3. In case, you did not have symptoms of nerves compression, you may certainly stop NTP. 4. There is no specific treatment of arthritis. Passive exercises of neck and shoulder joints will help to some extent. I am confident that you will certainly benefit from the advice. May I assure you that I am always available for your assistance and will try my best to cure your condition to the best of my experience and knowledge. Please feel free to revert back to me in case of further clarifications, if any. HAVE A NICE DAY AND A SPEEDY RECOVERY. Fond Regards, Dr.(Col) R Karanwal