Types of pain relieved

Antidepressants seem to work best for pain caused by:

• Arthritis.
• Nerve damage from diabetes and other causes. This is called neuropathic pain.
• Facial pain.
• Fibromyalgia, a condition of widespread body pain.
• Low back pain.
• Pelvic pain.

These medicines may help block pain by raising levels of the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin blocks pain and improves mood.

Antidepressants don't work right away. You may feel some relief from an antidepressant after a week or so. But the greatest relief may take several weeks.

Some people take anticonvulsants or other types of medicines that help relieve pain with an antidepressant.

Antidepressants are grouped by how they work. Tricyclic antidepressants are one type of antidepressant that works for pain.