Definition: Off-label prescribing is the prescription of a drug by your doctor for a purpose that has not been approved by the FDA. Off-label prescribing is legal and in some cases sets the standard of care. While off-label prescribing should be based on scientific evidence, quite often this evidence is unavailable.
Off-label prescribing for relief of back pain or neck pain comes with its own set of warnings. Off-label prescribing of anti-depressants such as Elavil, a.k.a. Amitriptyline, or anti-convulsants are sometimes given to spine patients to help control chronic back or neck pain.
Examples:
When a doctor prescribes an anti-depressant or an anti-convulsant medication for relief of chronic pain, she is engaging in off-label prescribing.
