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The Sciatic Nerve Cuffing Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Published on: July 16, 2014
Antidepressants for neuropathic pain
1Helsinki University Central Hospital, Cancer Center, Haartmaninkatu 4, P O Box 180, Helsinki, Finland, FIN-00029. tiina.saarto@hus.fi
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 19, 2007
Summary
Antidepressant drugs, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and venlafaxine, are effective for neuropathic pain management, with approximately one in three patients experiencing relief. More research is needed on newer antidepressants like SSRIs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Pain Management
- Neurology and Clinical Trials
Background:
- Antidepressant drugs are commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain.
- Effectiveness and safety profiles of various antidepressants for neuropathic pain require clarification.
- This review is an update of a previous Cochrane review from 2005.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of antidepressant drugs in neuropathic pain.
- To assess the safety and adverse effects associated with antidepressant use for neuropathic pain.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to October 2005.
- Included adult patients with neuropathic pain, excluding chronic headache and migraine.
- Data extraction and quality assessment by two independent reviewers; calculation of Relative Risk (RR) and Number-Needed-to-Treat (NNT).
Main Results:
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) demonstrated effectiveness with an NNT of 3.6 for pain relief.
- Venlafaxine showed effectiveness with an NNT of 3.1; limited evidence for SSRIs.
- TCAs were ineffective for HIV-related neuropathies; NNH for major adverse effects varied by drug.
Conclusions:
- Antidepressants, particularly TCAs and venlafaxine, are effective treatments for neuropathic pain.
- Limited evidence exists for SSRI effectiveness; further high-quality studies are recommended.
- The pre-emptive role of antidepressants in preventing neuropathic pain remains unclear.
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