amitriptyline chronic tension headache::This is not a painkiller and so does not take away a headache if a headache develops amitriptyline chronic tension headache

amitriptyline chronic tension headache::This is not a painkiller and so does not take away a headache if a headache develops.
It is an antidepressant medicine and you have to take it every day with the aim of preventing headaches.
So, although amitriptyline is classed as an antidepressant it is not used here to treat depression.
Once the headaches have been reduced for 46 months, the amitriptyline can be stopped.
Treatment can be resumed if headaches recur.
Other medicines are sometimes tried if amitriptyline is not suitable or does not help.
The goals of preventative treatment are to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
So, with treatment, the headaches may not go completely, but they will often develop less often and be less severe.
Any headache that does occur whilst taking preventative medication may also be eased better than previously by a painkiller.
It is often difficult in retrospect to say how well a preventative treatment has worked.
Therefore, it is best to keep a headache diary for a couple of weeks or so before starting preventative medication.
This is to record when and how severe each headache was, and also how well it was eased by a painkiller.
Then, keep the diary going as you take the preventative medicine to see how well things improve.
The headaches are unlikely to go completely, but the diary may show a marked improvement.