Effect of amitriptyline and pregabalin on heart rate variability and electrolytes in neurotrophic pain in diabetic patients

Background: The data regarding effects of amitriptyline and pregabalin on heart rate variability in patients with neuropathic pain in diabetic patients are poorly understood in India. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of amitriptyline and pregabalin on heart rate variability in diabetic patients with neuropathic pain and their effect on serum electrolyte (sodium and potassium).Methods: The patients include 60 diabetic patients of either sex aged 18-65 years diagnosed with neuropathic pain and divided into two groups. The study was prospective open label and observational study. Group 1 was treated with amitriptyline 10 mg once a day while group 2 with pregabalin 75 mg once a day and HRV, serum sodium and serum potassium levels and pain score were recorded; and data of post-treatment at 2 and 4 weeks were compared with pretreatment values (control). All the statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 20.0 software.Results: Both the drugs have increased HRV and reduced neuropathic pain intensity after 2 and 4 weeks treatment. The sodium and potassium level were not altered by these drugs. No correlation was observed between HRV and neuropathic pain.Conclusions: In conclusion, both the amitriptyline and pregabalin have significantly increased HRV and reduced the neuropathic pain intensity; but no correlation was observed between increased HRV and reduced neuropathic pain intensity.