A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of trazodone hydrochloride in chronic low back pain syndrome

A 6-week placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of trazodone hydrochloride for the relief of chronic low back pain. Forty-two subjects (22 trazodone, 20 placebo) with a 20.3-year average history of back pain were titrated to an average dose of trazodone 201 mg or placebo 238 mg and evaluated daily on a Visual Analogue Scale of pain intensity, at 2-week intervals on an observer rating of pain behavior while walking, and before and after the trial on the Beck Depression Inventory, the Sickness Impact Profile, and a solid state microcomputer (Vitalog) that measured physical activity. Trazodone blood levels and urine toxicology screens were also obtained. There were no significant differences between groups in treatment effect. The results of this study require confirmation by longer trials with larger, less chronic, more homogeneous samples at higher doses with follow-up assessments.