Antidepressants in chronic neuropathic pain

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2003 Nov;3(7):773-84. doi: 10.2174/1389557033487836.

Abstract

This review presents available clinical studies and new insights into mechanisms of analgesic effect and possible new routes of administration of antidepressant drugs. Older TCAs continue to be superior treatments. We focused on recent findings on newer antidepressants as analgesics. Their use should be supported by further controlled trials.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antidepressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / pharmacology
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / pharmacology
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors