A study from the University of Sydney reveals that antidepressants are being prescribed to people over 65 for pain treatment based on limited evidence. Only 15 trials in the last 40 years have focused on the benefits of antidepressants for pain in older adults. The lack of evidence highlights the need for prescribing practices considering the unique needs and risks of older patients. The study also found that antidepressants can lead to negative side effects in older adults, although duloxetine may be effective in relieving knee osteoarthritis pain in the short term. The study emphasizes the importance of updating guidelines and considering non-pharmacological strategies for pain management in older adults.
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Antidepressants prescribed for pain in older adults despite weak evidence of effectiveness
