Moclobemide in chronic neuropathic pain: preliminary case reports.
OBJECTIVE
This trial aimed to study moclobemide, a reversible, Type-A selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor, in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.


METHODS
Pain clinic patients suitable for antidepressant therapy were treated for 2 months in an open label, uncontrolled trial with moclobemide 150-600 mg/day.


METHODS
Visual analog scores of pain and affective symptoms, a side-effect checklist, and clinical global impressions of efficacy and tolerability.


RESULTS
The trial was terminated after assessment of seven patients; partial analgesic activity was discernible only in one, and beneficial mood effects notable in two others. Significant adverse effects, particularly insomnia and GI disturbance, were reported by the majority of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Moclobemide appears to have limited efficacy in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Menkes
D B
DB
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Fawcett
J P
JP
Busch
A F
AF
Jones
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020912:Moclobemide; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications*
D000700:Analgesics; D001549:Benzamides; D020912:Moclobemide