The Clinical Effects of Amitriptyline in Patients with Urinary Frequency and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome / 대한비뇨기과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of amitriptyline in patients with urinary frequency or pelvic pain syndrome and compared with propiverine hydrochloride (BUP-4(R)) and diazepam (Valium(R)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and sixty-eight patients with urinary frequency or pain were included and 38 out of 168 patients were lost to follow up. The patients with interstitial cystitis, UTI and neurogenic bladder were excluded. Amitriptyline group were instructed to take 25mg to 75mg of amitriptyline before bed. Propiverine hy drochloride and diazepam group were instructed to take 20mg, 4-6mg before bed, respectively. The clinical effects and side effects were evaluated after 4 weeks of medication. RESULTS: In the amitriptyline group, 73.1% in 78 patients with frequency, 68.3% in 60 pain, 65.6% in 32 nocturia, 53.8% in 26 weak urinary stream, 53.8% in 13 dysuria, 72.7% in 11 urgency showed symptom improvement. Urinary frequency and pain score were significantly decreased in the amitriptyline group. In the propiverine hydrochloride group, 66.7% in 21 patients with frequency, 38.8% in 18 pain showed symptom improvement. In the diazepam group, 37.5% in 24 patients with frequency, 31.3% in 16 pain showed symptom improvement. Side effects of amitriptyline had appeared in 24 (27.6%) out of 87 patients; 17 cases of dry mouth, 10 drowsiness, 2 agitation, 2 nausea, 1 constipation and 1 skin rash. CONCLUSIONS: Amitriptyline is useful in vague voiding symptoms especially in urinary frequency and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It is equally effective in both men and women. Side effects are minimal and tolerable. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial is necessary for general acceptance in the future.