New Study Questions Antidepressant Use for Seniors' Pain Relief

Doctors often resort to prescribing antidepressants as a way to alleviate physical pain in older individuals, but a recent expert review suggests that this practice may not be as effective as previously thought.
Potential Risks for Seniors
Researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia have highlighted potential risks associated with the use of antidepressants in seniors for pain relief. Study senior author Dr. Christina Abdel Shaheed emphasized that the harms of antidepressant use in older people are well-documented. The team found that seniors taking antidepressants had higher risks of falling, dizziness, and injury compared to those using other pain relief methods.
Lack of Evidence
The review, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, revealed that there is limited evidence to support the use of antidepressants for pain relief in seniors. Despite standard international guidelines endorsing antidepressant use for chronic pain, data backing these guidelines did not specifically focus on seniors. Lead author Dr. Sujita Narayan cautioned against misinformed decisions by clinicians relying on general guidelines without age-specific evidence.
Considerations for Discontinuation
Narayan also warned about the risks associated with discontinuing antidepressants, likening the withdrawal process to that of opioids. The researchers advised patients to consult with their healthcare providers before stopping medication and to develop a tapering plan if needed.
Limited Efficacy
While some studies found antidepressants to be ineffective in alleviating pain in seniors, there was one exception - duloxetine for knee pain related to arthritis. However, this benefit was time-specific, with significant efficacy observed after two to four months of use. The researchers stressed the need for careful consideration of risks and benefits when using duloxetine for knee osteoarthritis.
Age-Specific Approach
Abdel Shaheed and Narayan highlighted the importance of conducting age-specific studies on pain management to avoid applying findings from younger populations to older adults. They emphasized that older individuals respond differently to medications due to physiological changes, leading to potentially different outcomes. In conclusion, the study urges caution in prescribing antidepressants for pain relief in seniors and emphasizes the need for further research tailored to this population. For more information on arthritis pain treatment, visit the Arthritis Foundation.