Elavil/Amitriptyline and Pamelor/Nortriptyline are similar and in the same drug family. Pamelor is more modern and actually breaks down into Amitiriptyline in your system. Ask you doctors about Pamelor as I believe it should be chosen over Elavil. Either of these drugs in low doses should be safer for your body than ibuprofen.

My doctors have given me a post-surgical goal to stop taking NSAIDs and Narcotics regularaly and eventually be able to manage just on Neurontin and Pamelor (taking Ibuprofen and/or Norco only as needed).