Efficacy of Antidepressants in Chronic Back Pain

Efficacy of Antidepressants in Chronic Back Pain

This 12 week placebo controlled clinical trial tests the individual and combined effects of an antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic back pain.

This is a 4 arm 12 week randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of 1) low concentration desipramine (< 60 ng/ml); 2) cognitive behavioral therapy; 3) low concentration desipramine + cognitive behavioral therapy; and 4) placebo medication (benzotropine mesylate).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic back pain (daily pain for > 6 months)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major medical conditions which might contraindicate antidepressant treatment