Chronic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury

Management of Chronic Pain in Rehabilitation Project I - Management of Chronic Pain in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

This trial tests the effectiveness of the drug amitriptyline vs placebo to relieve chronic pain in adults that have had a spinal cord injury.

This double masked placebo-controlled trial will randomize patients (n=100) with a greater than 6 month history spinal cord injury and a greater than 3 month history of associated pain to a daily dose of amitriptyline or placebo for 6 weeks. Patients will be examined before randomization by a study physician or nurse masked to their treatment assignment. They will be assessed by telephone interview before, during treatment, at the end of treatment and 4 months later to assess pain, pain interference with activities, physical and mental health, and number of health care visits for pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Spinal Cord Injury six months ago or longer
• Pain for 3 months or longer

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of cardiovascular disease, seizures, or glaucoma
• Currently taking antidepressant medications
• Currently hyperthyroid or taking thyroid medicine
• Currently pregnant