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.