Amitriptyline and Imapramine are examples of antidepressants, but there are many others. If one does not work well another route can be used. The message is, however, that no one with cancer needs to live with unrelieved pain. Your doctor should work with you to decide the route that may work best for you, and the schedule that meets your needs. Taking medication by mouth, or the oral route, is generally the most convenient and inexpensive method.
Oral medications come in tablet, capsule and liquid forms.
Most people can be treated using oral medications. If you have problems swallowing, or problems with nausea and vomiting, your doctor may prescribe your medications to be taken through the rectal route, or the transdermal route. Medications administered rectally are in the form of a suppository, which dissolves from the heat of your body and releases medication. This route is not useful if you have diarrhea or rectal pain, or if you have difficulty placing the suppository. The only pain medication currently available using the transdermal route is fentanyl.