Antidepressants for pain?

Yes, there are antidepressants that work very well for pain. Although they weren't originally designed to treat pain, they were quickly discovered to be very effective in treating neuropathic pain. Some examples of these medications: Amitriptyline (Triptizol®), Pregabalin (Lyrica®), Duloxetine (Cymbalta®), etc.

And what is neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain occurs when our nervous system interprets signals as pain when it shouldn't, or when it interprets pain without any signals at all. Of course, this is a malfunction in our body that generates pain when it shouldn't.

How can an antidepressant take away my pain?

To understand how it can relieve pain, we must first understand how these medications work for depression. We know that when a person is depressed, there is a decrease in the brain of substances called neurotransmitters . These neurotransmitters control mood. When these neurotransmitters are low, we feel sadder or more depressed . Antidepressants work by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters.

When we get hurt, our nerves send a signal to the brain. Upon receiving it, the brain processes it and generates the sensation of pain. A control mechanism exists so that in certain emotional situations the body doesn't feel pain or the pain is much less (for example, in dangerous situations). It does this by increasing the amounts of neurotransmitters that influence pain, reducing or even eliminating it. These neurotransmitters are the same ones that decrease in depression.

Antidepressants increase the concentration of these neurotransmitters, thereby reducing pain. It's as if they activate the pain control mechanism so the pain isn't as severe.

Well, now you know how a medication initially designed for depression can help us reduce neuropathic pain.

Remember that these medications are not painkillers . That is, if we get a blow or a headache, they won't have any effect because they are only effective for neuropathic pain .

These medications take time to take effect because they act on the brain, and they must be taken continuously to control the pain. If we have a headache and we take one, it won't have any effect.

Remember that these medications require a prescription, and we shouldn't self-medicate . If you have any questions, you can contact us using the form or speak directly to your doctor or pharmacist.

Angel The Vanaclocha Order

Community Pharmacist at the Nuria Vanaclocha Pharmacy