Chronic Pain:Cancer Pain

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What You Need to Know About Antidepressants and Cancer Pain

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content provided by Healthwise
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Examples:

Tricyclic antidepressants

Generic NameBrand Name
amitriptyline hydrochlorideElavil, Endep
desipramineNorpramin
doxepin hydrochlorideSinequan
imipramine hydrochlorideTofranil
nortriptylineAventyl HCL, Pamelor

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Generic NameBrand Name
duloxetineCymbalta
venlafaxineEffexor

Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Generic NameBrand Name
fluoxetineProzac
paroxetinePaxil
sertralineZoloft

How It Works
Antidepressant drugs increase levels of the chemicals produced in the brain to improve your mood. Lower doses relieve pain and may help you sleep.


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Last Updated: November 18, 2008
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More Stories on This Topic

More Chronic Pain Stories
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Last Updated: October 30, 2007
Author:
Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine

Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology


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