Cipralex in Treatment of Depressive Symptoms and Chronic Back Pain

Summary

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most frequent forms of chronic pain and can result in significant functional impairment. This is often associated with major depression too. Previous research reported significant beneficial effects of antidepressant medication in alleviating depression and pain intensity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Escitalopram, a new kind of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) in patients with CLBP in a prospective, randomized and double-blind clinical trial. The main hypothesis is: -in comparison to placebo, subjects with CLBP and Cipralex report a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (\>= 50% of HAMD questionnaire) after 4 weeks of treatment.

Timeline

Start

2007-11

Primary completion

2012-11

Completion

2012-11

Publications

• Results Dickens C, Jayson M, Sutton C, Creed F. The relationship between pain and depression in a trial using paroxetine in sufferers of chronic low back pain. Psychosomatics. 2000 Nov-Dec;41(6):490-9. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.41.6.490.
• Results Atkinson JH, Slater MA, Wahlgren DR, Williams RA, Zisook S, Pruitt SD, Epping-Jordan JE, Patterson TL, Grant I, Abramson I, Garfin SR. Effects of noradrenergic and serotonergic antidepressants on chronic low back pain intensity. Pain. 1999 Nov;83(2):137-45. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3959(99)00082-2.

Drugs

Indications