Pain Relief & DMs

Hello,

Is there any information that the DWP have in regrad to pain relief that their DM's look at when an application is made?

I wondered if they have something to refer to, to indicate what level of medication is being used, thus suggesting a certain level of pain?

Thats probably too simplistic but I wondered. I use Tramadol and Amitriptyline but I dont honestly know where that ranks amongst pain relief, only that it does not totally deal with my pain.

Thanks in anticipation.

Bill

Hi Bill

I know Amitriptyline is not a painkiller, and Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. However, I doubt a DM would have any medical knowledge, they get this information from the medical report.

The Doctor should have knowledge of the medication you are taking, but it's more important that you explain clearly on the application form the full extent of your disability and pain, and how it affects you. This will say far more than the names of the tablets.

I don't know which benefit you are applying for but make sure you look at the guides on the site.

Kind regards

Derek

While Amitriptyline isn't a painkiller in itself, it's often used in conjunction with painkillers to boost their effect as it desensitises nerve endings. For instance, I take it in conjunction with Co-Codamol, Diclofenac and Carbamazinepine for Trigeminal Neuralgia, as using these tablets together creates a synegistic effect, and it gives you a better night's sleep.

If in doubt take in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with each medication, that should give the doctor more of an idea of where it ranks in terms of pain relief if they're unsure.

Hi Bill

I too am on amytriptyline along with other pain killers as i have been told they help block the nerve endings which can cause pain. It was the best thing that happened to me as i struggled to cope with excessive pain but taking the 2 combined can really help. In higher doses it can be also used as an antidepressant. Hope this helps!

Kind regards
Julie

Sorry, I should keep my mouth shut when it comes to medicine. Now that you’ve mentioned it, I think I can remember Amitriptyline making me feel slightly numb when I was taking it for depression some time ago.

The question though, was whether the DM would decide the level of pain from the medication you are on. I don’t think they can do this because two people could be on the same painkillers. One person may find it satisfactory while the other is still in pain. The Doctor would have to ask how much pain you are in and put it in the medical report.

DepressedDerek wrote:

Hi Bill

I know Amitriptyline is not a painkiller, and Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. However, I doubt a DM would have any medical knowledge, they get this information from the medical report.

The Doctor should have knowledge of the medication you are taking, but it's more important that you explain clearly on the application form the full extent of your disability and pain, and how it affects you. This will say far more than the names of the tablets.

I don't know which benefit you are applying for but make sure you look at the guides on the site.

Kind regards

Derek

tricyclic anti-depressants like amitriptyline is registered for asanti depresent and also for bedwetting in the young

but it is often used as a pain killer too works well in migrain and Sciatica Pain when used with tramadol 5 or 10mg is enough