What is the best antidepressant for nerve pain?

The most efficacious antidepressants for the treatment of neuropathic pain appear to be the tertiary-amine TCAs (amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine), venlafaxine, bupropion, and duloxetine. These appear to be closely followed in efficacy by the secondary-amine TCAs (desipramine, nortriptyline).

How do antidepressants help neuropathic pain?

Tricyclic antidepressants may relieve neuropathic pain by their unique ability to inhibit presynaptic reuptake of the biogenic amines serotonin and noradrenaline, but other mechanisms such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and ion channel blockade probably also play a role in their pain-relieving effect.

Why are antidepressants used for nerve pain?

Antidepressants are thought to ease pain caused by nerve damage by dampening pain signals sent to the brain.

What is the most common antidepressant used to treat pain?

Tricyclic antidepressants are the most common type of antidepressant used for pain. They include: Amitriptyline.

How are antidepressants used to treat neuropathic pain?

For many years antidepressant drugs have been used to manage neuropathic pain, and are often the first choice treatment. It is not clear, however, which antidepressant is more effective, what role the newer antidepressants can play in treating neuropathic pain, and what adverse effects are experienced by patients.

Which is better for neuropathic pain amitriptyline or venlafaxine?

At least one third of patients with neuropathic pain who took traditional antidepressants (such as amitriptyline) obtained moderate pain relief or better. There is also evidence that Venlafaxine, a newer antidepressant, has similar effectiveness to traditional antidepressants.

Are there any drug combinations for chronic neuropathic pain?

We identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of various drug combinations for neuropathic pain from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and handsearches of other reviews and trial registries. The most recent search was performed on 9 April 2012.

How are antidepressants used to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Antidepressants for pain management in rheumatoid arthritis. There is no cure for RA at present, so the treatments aim to relieve pain and stiffness and improve your ability to move. Antidepressants can be used to treat depression and promote sleep, and some people believe they may also reduce pain by acting on the nerves that cause pain,…