Perrot S et al. - This article reviews the pharmacologic and clinical evidence supporting the use of antidepressant drugs for treating painful rheumatologic conditions.
Clinical studies have shown that tricyclic antidepressants, even at low doses, have analgesic effects in rheumatologic conditions but are less well tolerated
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may also have analgesic effects, but higher doses are required for fibromyalgia and low back pain
In some studies the analgesic effects of antidepressants may be associated with functional impairment, sleep disorders, and fatigue
Further studies are required to determine antidepressants' analgesic mechanism of action and their role in the management of chronic painful rheumatologic conditions
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