Top 10 Pain Management Techniques

Antidepressant medications, particularly the tricyclic antidepressants, effectively relieve chronic pain, even in situations when depression is not a factor. Use of antidepressants to manage pain is not approved by the FDA. The pain relieving mechanism of these drugs is not fully understood. It is theorized that antidepressants may cause an increase in the production of neurotransmitters which reduce pain signals. Pain relief is not immediate and it may take several weeks for maximum relief to be achieved. Side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness and changes in blood pressure.