Antidepressants in concomitant chronic back pain and depression: doxepin and desipramine compared.
Doxepin and desipramine at final doses of 188 and 173 mg/day, respectively, were compared in 36 volunteers with major affective or dysthymic disorder and chronic back pain. Both drugs produced significant decreases in depression, with an overall response rate of 70%; no significant difference was seen between groups. Pain ratings also decreased significantly in both groups (overall response rate = 50%); pain severity showed a better response to doxepin than to desipramine. While baseline pain, depression, and anxiety were correlated, treatment changes in these measures did not correlate. CSF beta-endorphin levels did not change with treatment. The usefulness of an antidepressant with anxiolytic properties, such as doxepin, is discussed.
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D001416:Back Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003891:Desipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004316:Doxepin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D005260:Female; D006380:Helplessness, Learned / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D001615:beta-Endorphin
D004723:Endorphins; D010919:Placebos; D004316:Doxepin; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D003891:Desipramine