'Shocking' lack of evidence on antidepressants for chronic pain

'Shocking' lack of evidence on antidepressants for chronic pain People with chronic pain are being given antidepressants with very little scientific proof the medication helps, a major review has found.

In studies, with nearly 30,000 patients, there was "moderate" evidence for only one drug, duloxetine, and just for short-term pain relief.

And there was a "shocking" lack of long-term data, even though the pills are usually prescribed for many months.

But patients are advised to stay on medication if it works for them. BBC News

See also:

• Antidepressants for pain management in adults with chronic pain: a network meta‐analysis Cochrane Library
• Millions of Brits are prescribed antidepressants for pain every year, study claims The Daily Mail
• ‘Little evidence’ whether or not most antidepressants work for chronic pain The Guardian
• Lack of evidence on antidepressants for chronic pain, say experts The Independent
• Millions being prescribed antidepressants for chronic pain without evidence they work, scientists warn iNews
• Thousands given antidepressants for chronic pain without full proof they work ITV News
• Thousands taking antidepressants for pain despite insufficient evidence they work, say experts Sky News