Antidepressants as analgesics: a review of randomized controlled trials

This review provides an overview of 59 randomized placebo-controlled trials that examined the analgesic effect of antidepressants. To summarize, there is significant evidence that the tricyclic group of antidepressants is ana lgesic and that trazodone is not; the data regarding selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors are conflicting To date, there are no randomized controll ed trials examining the potential analgesic action of nefazodone or venlafa xine, but on the basis of initial clinical reports and its structural simil arity to other analgesics, venlafaxine shows promise as an analgesic.