Amitriptyline+ketamine
About Amitriptyline+ketamine
Amitriptyline+ketamine is a combination medicine indicated for the management of neuralgia (neuropathic pain). Neuropathic pain is a chronic progressive nerve disease which causes nerve pain due to damaged sensory nerves. Symptoms include spontaneous, untriggered pain, unpleasant feeling, shooting, burning or stabbing pain, difficulty resting or sleeping, and evoked pain (pain caused by events usually not painful).
Amitriptyline+ketamine is a combination of two drugs: Amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) and Ketamine (anaesthesia). Amitriptyline works by increasing the serotonin and noradrenaline (natural substances) levels in the brain, thereby preventing the movement of pain signals in the brain. Ketamine is a general anaesthetic that blocks certain receptors (NMDA), thereby decreasing pain sensation. Thus, Amitriptyline+ketamine effectively alleviates neuropathic pain.
Depending on your medical condition, you are advised to use Amitriptyline+ketamine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as application site reactions such as skin dryness and itching. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not use Amitriptyline+ketamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. To rule out any side effects/interactions, keep your doctor informed about your health condition and ongoing medications before using Amitriptyline+ketamine. Limited information is available regarding using Amitriptyline+ketamine in children, so do not use Amitriptyline+ketamine unless prescribed by the doctor.
Uses of Amitriptyline+ketamine
Medicinal Benefits
Amitriptyline+ketamine is a combination of two drugs: amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) and ketamine (anaesthesia). Amitriptyline works by increasing serotonin and noradrenaline (natural substances) levels in the brain, preventing the movement of pain signals. Ketamine is a general anaesthetic that reduces pain by blocking specific receptors (NMDA). Thus, Amitriptyline+ketamine effectively reduces neuropathic pain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Amitriptyline+ketamine
- Application site reactions such as skin dryness and itching
Drug Warnings
Do not use Amitriptyline+ketamine on your own unless prescribed by the doctor. Amitriptyline+ketamine is not recommended to use if you are allergic to any component present in it. Amitriptyline+ketamine should not be used in pregnant or lactating women and the paediatric population unless prescribed by the doctor. Do not use any other medications along with Amitriptyline+ketamine unless instructed by the doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Amitriptyline+ketamine interacts with alcohol. However, as a precautionary measure, it is advisable to avoid consumption of alcohol.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLimited data is available on the effect of Amitriptyline+ketamine in pregnancy. Hence, please consult your doctor before using Amitriptyline+ketamine.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIf you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before using Amitriptyline+ketamine.
Driving
safeAmitriptyline+ketamine does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available about using Amitriptyline+ketamine in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor before using Amitriptyline+ketamine if you have a history of liver disease. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available about using Amitriptyline+ketamine in patients with kidney disease. Inform your doctor before using Amitriptyline+ketamine if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
consult your doctorLimited information is available regarding using Amitriptyline+ketamine in children. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Nutritional deficits can cause neuropathy symptoms. Choose foods high in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Replace fatty protein sources with lean alternatives and consume modest quantities of healthy fat sources for improved well-being. Saturated fat in fatty meats and dairy products has been linked to inflammation and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Elevated blood sugar levels are linked to various chronic health problems, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Increase Omega–3 fatty acids, Fiber, and Antioxidants such as flaxseeds, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans to help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level and control your diabetes.
- Create a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, omega-3-rich foods, and lean protein sources.
- Instead of saturated and trans fats, choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (fish, nuts, and vegetable oils).
- Select/prepare foods and beverages with fewer added sugars/caloric sweeteners.
- Be mindful of salt; consume no more than 2,300 mg each day.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Neuropathic pain: Neuropathic pain is caused due to damaged sensory nerves. The pain could be intermittent or continuous, which is felt as a prickling, stabbing, tingling or burning sensation. A feeling of numbness and loss of sensations is also common with neuropathic pain. Usually, the body sends the pain signals when there is an injury, but with neuropathic pain, the pain is not triggered by an injury; the body unpromptedly sends the pain signals. Symptoms include spontaneous, untriggered pain, unpleasant feeling, shooting, burning or stabbing pain, difficulty resting or sleeping, and evoked pain (pain caused by events usually not painful).
FAQs
Amitriptyline+ketamine is used to treat neuropathic pain.
Amitriptyline+ketamine is a combination of two drugs: amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) and ketamine (anaesthesia). Amitriptyline works by increasing serotonin and noradrenaline (natural substances) levels in the brain, preventing the movement of pain signals. Ketamine is a general anaesthetic that reduces pain by blocking specific receptors (NMDA). Thus, Amitriptyline+ketamine effectively alleviates neuropathic pain.
Amitriptyline+ketamine is for topical (for skin) use only. Do not put a bandage or dressing on the affected area unless the doctor advises while treating with Amitriptyline+ketamine. Do not apply Amitriptyline+ketamine on mucous membranes, lesions, or large areas of skin. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Store Amitriptyline+ketamine according to the instructions on the leaflet and away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze and dispose of unused medicine. Keep it out of reach from pets and children.
No, never take more than the prescribed dose of Amitriptyline+ketamine. It may lead to severe allergic reactions and symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat and rash. Consult your doctor if you do not observe any improvement in symptoms after a week.