The present invention relates to the use of amitriptyline as an inhibitor of connexin hemichannels (HC) in the Central Nervous System (CNS). This HC blocking agent is advantageously used to treat disorders involving misregulated HC (notably neuropathic pain neurodegenerative disorders ischemic brain injury and inflammatory intestinal conditions). Additionally the invention provides a method to enhance the therapeutic effect of amitriptyline for its common indications. The method of the invention involves combining amitriptyline with another HC blocking agent mefloquine.