Duloxetine Added to Tramadol in Chronic Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction

About 15–20% of the population suffering from the chronic pain. Over time, chronic pain can result in different emotional problems, social isolation, sleep disturbances, which reduce the quality of life. Chronic pain syndrome (CPS) indicates persistent pain, subjective symptoms in excess of objective findings, associated dysfunctional pain behavious and self-limitation in activities of daily living. Duloxetine is a potent antidepressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the chronic musculoskeletal disorder, diabetic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, generallized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.

Objective

To determine the effect of duloxetine on the reduction of pain and psychosocial suffering.

Aims

The goal of the treatment should be to effectively reduce pain while improving function and reducing psychosocial suffering.

Methods

Thirty-six adult, nondepressed patients, already on tramadol therapy were included. Patients with VAS (visual analogue scale) ≥ 4were treated with duloxetine for 13 weeks. We measured pain intensity with the McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (MPQ-SF) and compared VAS before starting the treatment with duloxetine and weekly for 13 weeks.

Results

Pain response was defined as a 30%decrease in the MPQ-SF. A total of 62.5% of the sample met these criteria for response. Among them, 13.8% of patients were discontinued because of adverse effects. Duloxetine significantly improved functioning and the quality of life in patients with CPS.

Conclusions

Because of it is analgesic properties, duloxetine in the lower antidepressant doses (60 mg taken ones daily) combined with tramadol (another analgesic agent) can be useful in CPS for patients who do not respond satisfactory to monotherapy.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.