If you have chronic pain -- you may be at your wits' end. Often, patients go through every pain medication out there, vainly searching for a solution. But did you know that antidepressants could help ease your pain?
Whether it be arthritis, migraines, or fibromyalgia, a recent article posted by the Mayo Clinic says that tricyclic antidepressants may interact with the nerves associated with pain.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Some of the more effective and commonly used medications for chronic pain are drugs that were developed to control other conditions. Although not Food and Drug Administration approved to treat chronic pain, antidepressants are a mainstay in the treatment of many chronic pain conditions even when depression isn't a factor.
If you pursue antidepressants as a solution to pain, be aware of the possible side effects:
To reduce or prevent side effects, your doctor will likely start you at a low dose and slowly increase the amount. Most people are able to take tricyclic antidepressants, particularly in low doses, with only mild side effects. The doses that are effective for pain are typically lower than the doses used for depression.
Read more about how your pain can be helped by antidepressants at Mayo Clinic.
