Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: A total of 1,145 pain clinic patient charts were reviewed in alphabetical sequence. A total of 282 patients were identified as being treated with tricyclic antidepressants. Data were obtained from these 282 charts regarding the patient's age, diagnosis, tricyclic antidepressant use and dose, other pain treatments, response to treatment, and side effects. The existing diagnosis of depression was documented if possible. Tricyclic antidepressant doses were defined as low doses when the equivalent of 50 mg or less of amitriptyline was used, and as full doses when the equivalent of at least 150 mg of amitriptyline was used. Response to treatment was noted as mild, moderate, or marked improvement. Patients reporting mild improvement were considered nonresponders. RESULTS: CONCLUSION:
Tricyclic antidepressants were used in 25% of patients referred to a multidisciplinary pain center and were commonly used in low to intermediate doses, even in situations in which there were neither side effects nor optimal clinical response.
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Authors | S H Richeimer, Z H Bajwa, S S Kahraman, B J Ransil, C A Warfield |
Journal | The Clinical journal of pain
(Clin J Pain)
Vol. 13
Issue 4
Pg. 324-9
(Dec 1997)
ISSN: 0749-8047 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9430813
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
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Topics |
- Aged
- Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Drug Utilization
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Pain
(drug therapy)
- Pain Clinics
(statistics & numerical data)
- Pain Management
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