‘Little evidence’ whether or not most antidepressants work for chronic pain

Researchers say ‘studies not good enough’ to know whether medications work or not for pain

Antidepressants commonly used to treat chronic pain lack evidence as to whether or not they work, researchers have said, declaring the situation a global public health concern.

Chronic pain, typically defined as pain lasting three months or more, is a widespread problem affecting up to one in three people, with conditions ranging from osteoarthritis to fibromyalgia.