Escitalopram is associated with reductions in pain severity and pain interference in opioid dependent patients with depressive symptoms

Summary: Use of escitalopram 10mg daily compared to placebo resulted in decreased pain severity and interference in a sample of opioid-dependent patients with depressive symptoms.Abstract: Pain is common among opioid-dependent patients, yet pharmacologic strategies are limited. The aim of this study was to explore whether escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was associated with reductions in pain. The study used longitudinal data from a randomized, controlled trial that evaluated the effects of escitalopram on treatment retention in patients with depressive symptoms who were initiating buprenorphine/naloxone for treatment of opioid dependence. Participants were randomized to receive escitalopram 10mg or placebo daily. Changes in pain severity, pain interference, and depr…