Comparison between the Efficacy of Duloxetine and Amitriptyline inthe Management of Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: ARandomized Control Trial
Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy of duloxetine and amitriptyline in reducing pain based on VAS in patients with diabetic distal painful neuropathy and to compare the safety profile in terms of fewer adverse effects.Methods
This Randomized control trial was done at Mayo Hospital Lahore for a duration of 6 months following ethical approval. After obtaining IRB approval and meeting the inclusion criteria, 106 patients were selected and divided into two groups; A and B, and given duloxetine and amitriptyline respectively. Pain assessment was done in both groups using the VAS score system at 3, 6 and 12 weeks and adverse effects were documented based on subjective assessment by the patients.Results
Duloxetine resulted in a reduced intensity from a mean of 3.91 ± 0.08 to 1.79 ± 0.06 while amitriptyline resulted in decrease in pain from 3.89 ± 0.06 to 2.45 ± 0.06 (p<0.05). Patients taking duloxetine reported fewer side effects as compared to amitriptyline.Conclusion
Duloxetine has better efficacy in treating painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy both in terms of pain management and fewer side effects.Keywords:
Peripheral neuropathy, Duloxetine, Amitriptyline, Randomized Control Trial, Diabetes Mellitus, Efficacy, Safety Profile.Published
2025/03/10
Issue
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