Drugs for pain in the elderly.

Aspirin and acetaminophen are, as a rule, effective and well-tolerated compounds for use in mild pain of various etiologies. The major advantage of acetaminophen is the absence of gastrointestinal irritation. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin, and amoxapine are often given with good results to patients who manifest pain as a somatization of depression.