Controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of amitriptyline in relieving articular pain and tenderness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Thirty-six patients with definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of adding amitriptyline to the treatment regimen for the relief of pain not adequately controlled by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Dosage of amitriptyline was increased gradually up to 25 mg 3-times daily and patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Assessments were made of joint pain and tenderness every 4 weeks. The results showed no difference between the amitriptyline and placebo-treated patients for either parameter.