Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy
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Expert Opin Pharmacother · May 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEscitalopram 20 mg versus duloxetine 60 mg for the treatment of chronic low back pain.
Escitalopram has never been demonstrated to be useful in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP), while duloxetine has demonstrated analgesic effect in chronic pain states. The aim of this trial was to examine the efficacy of escitalopram for the treatment of CLBP compared with duloxetine. ⋯ Escitalopram and duloxetine demonstrated efficacy and safety in the management of CLBP, with no significant differences. Results of this study should be replicated in a larger sample of patients.
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Hydromorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid approved in the USA for the treatment and relief of moderate to severe pain and postoperative pain. However, the compound is short-acting, and there is no extended-release formulation clinically available. A previous hydromorphone extended-release formulation that successfully came to market was subsequently withdrawn on account of safety concerns. Clinical need supports the presence of an extended-release formulation of hydromorphone. ⋯ Hydromorphone-OROS is an effective agent for the long-acting control of pain and a welcome addition to other available opioid formulations.