UI - 000008

AU - Hameroff SR

TI - Doxepin effects on chronic pain, depression and plasma opioids

AB - IN: U Arizona Health Science Ctr, Dept of Anesthesiology, Tucson LA: English AB: Studied 30 26-

65 yr old patients with chronic low back or cervical pain combined with clinical depression in a randomized,

double-blind comparison of doxepin and placebo. Dependent variables included Hamilton Rating Scale for

Depression (HDRS) scores; the Clinical Global Assessment Scale (CGAS); the Profile of Mood States

(POMS); and subjective ratings (visual analog scales) of pain severity, percent of time pain was felt, and

effect of pain on activity, muscle tension, sleep, mood, and analgesic consumption. Significant improvements

in the doxepin-treated group compared to the placebo group were seen in HDRS, CGAS, and POMS

scores; percent of time pain was felt; and effect of pain on sleep, muscle tension, and mood. Some

improvement was observed after 1 wk, although most improvement occurred at 6 wks, when the mean

doxepin dose was 2.5 mg/kg and plasma doxepin and desmethyldoxepin averaged 70 ng/ml. Nonspecific

enkephalinlike activity (but not beta-endorphins) increased for the treatment group and decreased for the

placebo group. Doxepin may be a valuable treatment for patients with chronic pain and depression. (12 ref)

(PsycLIT Database Copyright 1983 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved) KP: doxepin;

treatment of low back or cervical pain combined with depression; 26-65 yr old patients AN: 69-06286

SO - Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 1982;43:22-27