[Treatment of chronic back pain with antidepressant cymbalta: an experimental study]

Thirty-two patients at the acute stage of chronic back pain have been studied. Cymbalta was used as a monotherapy in dosage 60 mg daily during 6 weeks simultaneously with traditional non-pharmacological therapy. Treatment efficacy was assessed using self-rating methods and quantitative scales measuring pain intensity as well as Spilberger trait/state anxiety inventory, Beck depression scale, Plutchik scale measuring psychological defense mechanisms, quality of sleep, quality of life and evaluation of autonomic dysfunction. The treatment with cymbalta resulted in significant reduction of pain in 90% patients, with full stopping of the syndrome in 10% and marked reduction in 55%. The stopping of pain syndrome was correlated with significant improvement of emotional status and quality of life and sleep normalization of the patients.