Similar effects of tramadol and venlafaxine in major depressive disorder.
The analgesic tramadol has many characteristics in common with the antidepressant venlafaxine. The drugs are structurally similar, share both serotonergic and noradrenergic properties, and undergo a similar metabolic fate. In this study, a patient, who developed significant depression following cessation of tramadol after several years of therapy, is described. Her depression was then treated with venlafaxine with excellent response. It appears that tramadol may have provided a prophylactic antidepressant effect in this patient. Because of its similarities to venlafaxine, tramadol may possibly exert a degree of antidepressant effect in certain patients, particularly those with chronic pain.
Reeves
Roy R
RR
Department of Mental Health, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA. roy.reeves@med.va.gov
Cox
Sera K
SK
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014147:Tramadol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D014147:Tramadol; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride