Pamelor and liver function

Pamelor and liver function

Q:

I have been taking Pamelor for a number of months for chronic back pain. Every time I had my blood check my liver function indicators were high. Inasmuch as I have Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion in 1977 and suffered liver damage in an auto accident am I at risk by taking Pamelor? It does work well but my doctors are split on whether or not the Pamelor or Hepatits C is causing the increase in liver function. If I stay off of Pamelor for a few weeks the liver test is normal. I have not found anything that works as well as Pamelor.

-- Jerry

A:

"Altered liver function" is listed in physician's desk reference as an adverse side effect of Pamelor. The fact that liver function test normalized after stopping Pamelor suggests that this might be the case. Hepatitis C might have a compounding effect. Not knowing details of your medical condition and having not examining you, I cannot advise you on this matter. One has to balance the risks and benefits of any medication. Please consult with your physician prior to making any changes in your prescribed medications.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

to ask Dr. Tran.