The effect of amitriptyline on pain intensity and perception of stress in bruxers.

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline, on pain-intensity level and level of stress in bruxers.

Materials And Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover experimental design, 10 subjects received active (amitriptyline 25 mg/night) and inactive (placebo 25 mg/night) medication, over a period of 4 weeks.

Results: The administration of amitriptyline for 4 weeks did not significantly (p >.05) reduce pain intensity. However, it significantly (p <.05) reduced the level of stress perception.

Conclusion: The results of this limited study do not support the administration of small doses of amitriptyline over a period of 4 weeks for the management of pain resulting from sleep bruxism. However, the results support the administration of small doses of amitriptyline for the management of the perception of stress levels associated with sleep bruxism.