Abstract
In a randomized, double-blind, parallel study, fluoxetine and amitriptyline were compared with placebo in the treatment of chronic rheumatic pain. A total of 59 patients were evaluated during 4 wk of treatment and received 20 mg fluoxetine, 25 mg amitriptyline, or placebo daily. Pain intensity, pain relief, vital variables, and global evaluation were used to assess efficacy. To evaluate safety variables, the incidence of side effects was noted. Both amitriptyline and fluoxetine significantly reduced pain intensity compared with placebo. Similarly, pain relief was greater with both amitriptyline and fluoxetine than with placebo. At the end of the fourth week, fluoxetine was superior in efficacy to amitriptyline. The incidence of adverse effects was significantly greater with amitriptyline; dryness of the mouth was the most predominant side effect. We conclude that fluoxetine is an effective analgesic with fewer side effects.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Comparative Study
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Amitriptyline / administration & dosage
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Amitriptyline / adverse effects
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Amitriptyline / therapeutic use*
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Analgesics / administration & dosage
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Analgesics / adverse effects
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Analgesics / therapeutic use*
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Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / administration & dosage
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Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / adverse effects
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Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use*
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Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / administration & dosage
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Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / adverse effects
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Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use*
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Chronic Disease
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Double-Blind Method
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Female
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Fluoxetine / administration & dosage
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Fluoxetine / adverse effects
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Fluoxetine / therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Incidence
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Male
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Pain / drug therapy
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Pain Measurement
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Placebos
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Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy*
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Safety
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Xerostomia / chemically induced
Substances
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Analgesics
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Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
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Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
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Placebos
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Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
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Fluoxetine
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Amitriptyline