Antidepresivos, dolor y cáncer
ISSN: 1696-7240
Year of publication: 2006
Volume: 3
Issue: 1
Pages: 107-120
Type: Article
More publications in: Psicooncología: investigación y clínica biopsicosocial en oncología
Abstract
There is a close relationship between stress, depression, and pain, especially in cancer patients. As the efficacy of antidepressants in some types of chronic pain is well documented and the prevalence of depression is very high in cancer patients, we will review the main features of chronic pain, chronic pain in cancer, and the relationship between pain, cancer, and depression. Depression and pain have common pathways mediating the therapeutic effects of most currently available antidepressants. Clinically, the effect of antidepressants on pain and on affective symptoms is independent. In terms of efficacy, tricyclic antidepressants tend to work better but their side effect profile favor the use of the new dual reuptake inhibitors as venlafaxine or duloxetine.