The effect of premedication with amitriptyline on pain control of patients after surgery of impacted mandibular third molar

Abstract

Background and purpose: The effectiveness of amitriptyline, as an antidepressant drug, on postoperative pain is unknown and no such study has been conducted on the mandibular impacted third molar surgery. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of premedication with amitriptyline on pain reduction in patients after mandibular third molar surgery. Materials and methods: A total of 20 patients with impacted mandibular third molar (on both sides) referred to Tabriz Dental Faculty for surgery were selected and included in this clinical trial study. Individuals underwent separate surgeries. In one surgery patients underwent pretreatment with amitriptyline 25 mg one hour before surgery and in the other by pretreatment with placebo. Post-surgery pain intensity was measured with the VAS before and one hour after taking ibuprofen. In addition, the amount of ibuprofen consumption was also recorded for each patient along with demographic information such as age and gender. Results: There was no significant difference between the surgery duration between the two groups. The time interval between surgery and the first time taking the pill was significantly longer in the amitriptyline group than in the placebo group (P value < 0.001). The dosage of ibuprofen in the amitriptyline group was significantly lower than placebo (P value < 0.001). Conclusion: Amitriptyline can be used to control pain and reduce the dosage of ibuprofen after mandibular impacted third molar surgery.