Patient with chronic pain experiencing depression, depression can develop sleep problems. Therefore, for these patients’ sedative antidepressants are the best choice; it can provide relief from depression, pain and promote sleep.
Sedative Antidepressants
The sedative antidepressants most commonly used to promote sleep include:
- Trazodone (Desyrel),
- Amitriptyline (Elavil),
- Doxepin (Sinequan)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
For the use of sleep problems, these antidepressants should use in much lower dosage compared to the treatment of depression.
Possible side effects of antidepressants include dry mouth, blurred vision, hangover (in the next morning), constipation, urinary retention, and nausea.
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Trazodone is useful to treat depression. Trazodone is in a class of medications called serotonin modulators. It works by increasing the amount of serotonins, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Taking trazodone is not advisable if high blood pressure, Interacts with warfarin (Coumadin) and many herbal supplements.
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Amitriptyline is useful for the treatment of depression. Amitriptyline is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants, works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that need to maintain mental balance. Amitriptyline is also useful for the treatment of eating disorders, post-herpetic neuralgia, and prevents migraine headaches.
Taking amitriptyline is not advisable if recovering from a heart attack or using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), history of seizures, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
Doxepin (Sinequan)
Doxepin is useful for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Doxepin is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants, works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that need for mental balance.
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Nortriptyline is useful for the treatment of depression. Nortriptyline is in a group of medications called tricyclic antidepressants, works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that need to maintain mental balance.
Taking nortriptyline is not advisable if recovering from a heart attack or using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), Have a history of glaucoma, seizures or schizophrenia.