Antidepressants are effective in reducing neuropathic pain.
Antidepressants have been used for over 30 years to manage neuropathic pain, but in the UK no antidepressant has a product licence for this indication. Although many studies have been carried out, it remains difficult to determine, for example, which antidepressant is most effective, whether benefit is due to analgesic effect or mood improvement and whether antidepressants are better than anticonvulsants. Systematic review HJ McQuay, RA Moore. An evidence-based resource for pain relief. Findings Placebo-controlled comparisons.