Abstract
This review provides an overview of 59 randomized placebo-controlled trials that examined the analgesic effect of antidepressants. To summarize, there is significant evidence that the tricyclic group of antidepressants is analgesic and that trazodone is not; the data regarding selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are conflicting. To date, there are no randomized controlled trials examining the potential analgesic action of nefazodone or venlafaxine, but on the basis of initial clinical reports and its structural similarity to other analgesics, venlafaxine shows promise as an analgesic.
MeSH terms
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Analgesics / pharmacology*
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Analgesics / therapeutic use
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Animals
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Antidepressive Agents / pharmacology*
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Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
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Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / pharmacology
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Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use
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Humans
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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Pain / drug therapy*
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Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
Substances
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Analgesics
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Antidepressive Agents
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Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
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Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors