Publication:

A randomized control trail on the effectiveness of (Tricyclic antidepressant) Amitriptyline 10 mg bedtime in patients suffering from Meniere’s disease

Background Meniere’s disease is one of the most common causes of chronic recurrent vertigo in general population. Meniere’s disease is closely associated with migraine and migrainous vertigo/ vestibular migraine. Amitriptyline has been classically used in management of Vestibular migraine. This randomized control trail examines the effectiveness of (Tricyclic antidepressant) Amitriptyline 10mg bedtime in patients suffering from Meniere’s disease using a Randomized control trial. This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, cross over type with a power of 80% at 5% significance level.

Methods One hundred five patients with definite Meniere’s disease were randomized and assigned to either placebo or trial arm. Trial arm were given Amitriptyline 10 mg bedtime and placebo arm were given a generic Vitamin B-complex tablet. Visual analogue score and standard questionnaires were used to assess the improvements in vertigo, imbalance, dizziness and disease-specific quality of life before and after use of Amitriptyline vs. placebo for period of 10 days each.

Results Amitriptyline 10mg at bedtime (10mg H.S), produces significant improvement in the vertigo in patients suffering from Meniere’s disease compared to placebo. Chronic imbalance and hearing levels are not affected by the use of the above drug regime. Daytime sedation and weight gain are the most troublesome adverse effects of Amitriptyline at 10mg per day dose. No other serious adverse effects were observed in this research.

Conclusions Low dose bedtime Amitriptyline 10mg appears to be safe and produces improvement in vertigo and disease-specific quality of life in Meniere’s disease patients.