RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
Treating the physical symptoms of depression with second-generation antidepressants
A systematic review and metaanalysis
Krebs, E., Gaynes, B., Gartlehner, G., Hansen, R., Thieda, P., Morgan, L., DeVeaugh-Geiss, A., & Lohr, K. (2008). Treating the physical symptoms of depression with second-generation antidepressants: A systematic review and metaanalysis. Psychosomatics, 49(3), 191-198. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psy.49.3.191
BACKGROUND: Approximately two-thirds of patients with depression experience physical pain symptoms. Coexisting pain complicates the treatment of depression and is associated with worse depression outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: The authors reviewed the effect of newer antidepressants on pain in patients with depression.
METHOD: The authors searched systematically for trials of second-generation antidepressants that enrolled depression patients and reported pain outcomes, pooling changes on the pain visual-analog scale (VAS), using random-effects models.
RESULTS: Eight trials were eligible. Pooled analysis of head-to-head trials showed no difference in VAS between duloxetine and paroxetine. Both drugs were superior to placebo.
CONCLUSION: The authors found insufficient evidence to support the choice of one second-generation antidepressant over another in patients with pain accompanying depression.
