Antidepressants Are Often Prescribed for Chronic Pain, But Do They Work?

The use of anti-depressants to treat chronic pain is on the rise, according to a new study. But are these drugs safe and effective when prescribed for patients who don't have mood disorders like depression? Researchers reviewed data from dozens of clinical trials involving 25,000 patients, eight anti-depressant classes, and 22 pain conditions.

The results showed that some anti-depressants help relieve certain pain conditions in adults, but others are either ineffective or the evidence is inconclusive. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) were found to be helpful for back pain, knee osteoarthritis, post-operative pain, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. However, it was unclear how well tricyclic anti-depressants worked, or whether they worked at all for many pain conditions.

One study author says these findings will help doctors and patients weigh the benefits and harms of anti-depressants for various pain conditions, allowing them to make informed decisions about whether and when to use them. It is estimated that one in five people around the world live with chronic pain.