Does addition of low-dose flupentixol enhance the analgetic effects of low-dose amitriptyline in somatoform pain disorder?
In a double-blind, crossover study, the effects of 75 mg amitriptyline alone during 5 weeks on pain intensity were compared with the effects of a combination of 75 mg amitriptyline and 3 mg flupentixol during 5 weeks in 34 patients with somatoform pain disorder. Both treatments resulted in a statistically significant reduction in pain. However, pain reduction in the combined treatment did not differ from that in the treatment with amitriptyline as a single drug. Neither tardive dyskinesias nor other serious side effects were observed. The results do not support the clinical practice of adding low-dose neuroleptics to low-dose antidepressants in the treatment of somatoform pain disorder.
Zitman
F G
FG
Department of Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen, NijmegenThe Netherlands Department of Psychiatry, University of Leiden, LeidenThe Netherlands Department of Toxicology, University of Leiden, LeidenThe Netherlands Psychiatric Hospital Endegeest, Oegstgeest, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Leiden, LeidenThe Netherlands.
Linssen
A C G
ACG
Edelbroek
P M
PM
Van Kempen
G M J
GMJ
D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005475:Flupenthixol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D000639:Amitriptyline; D005475:Flupenthixol