Antidepressants Fail to Ease Chronic Pain, Review Finds
A huge review of 176 trials involving nearly 30,000 patients has delivered a blow to hopes that antidepressants can tackle chronic pain. Most studies tracked patients for just a few months, but only one drug—duloxetine—showed any short-term pain relief. Big names like Prozac and the cheap antidepressant amitriptyline offered no clear benefit.
Doctors Warn: Don’t Stop Medication Cold Turkey
Despite the underwhelming evidence, patients are advised to stick with antidepressants if they seem to work. But stopping suddenly is a no-go. NHS guidelines recommend these drugs for some chronic pain types—like nerve pain and fibromyalgia—mainly to avoid addictive opioid painkillers. Meanwhile, common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen aren’t recommended for chronic pain.
Chronic Pain Hits One in Four Brits
Chronic pain—lasting more than three months—affects one in four people in the UK, a BBC survey reveals. It can stem from arthritis or mysterious causes. Experts believe antidepressants might help because brain circuits for mood and pain overlap. Still, the panel that reviewed the trials says the evidence for safety and long-term benefits is “shocking.”
“Patients are being prescribed medication without solid proof it helps, or understanding of long-term effects,” warned Prof Tamar Pincus, review lead author.
Experts Urge More Support, Less Reliance on Drugs
Dr Cathy Stannard, clinical lead for NICE’s chronic-pain guidelines, slammed the poor success of medicines for long-term pain. She highlights the value of support services outside traditional healthcare—help with mobility, trauma, and social isolation. “Finding out what matters most to patients and linking them to local support is the way forward,” she said.
The NHS also stresses the importance of tapering off antidepressants slowly over weeks to avoid nasty withdrawal symptoms.
