Comparing Duloxetine and Desipramine for Chronic Pain Management
Official title: Comparing Effectiveness of Duloxetine and Desipramine in Patients With Chronic Pain: A Pragmatic Trial Using Point of Care Randomization
Run by Stanford University · NCT03548454 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing whether duloxetine or desipramine works better for managing chronic pain in patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 320 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Redwood City, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT03548454 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced persistent pain for more than three months and are candidates for treatment with antidepressants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have previously failed treatment with duloxetine or desipramine, or those with contraindications to these medications, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two medications, duloxetine and desipramine, in treating chronic pain in patients. It utilizes a pragmatic approach by integrating randomized comparative effectiveness research directly into patient care through the Collaborative Health Outcomes Information Registry (CHOIR). Patients will be randomized to receive either medication, and their progress will be monitored using advanced patient-reported outcomes metrics. This study addresses the gap in treatment options for patients with chronic pain, particularly those with complex medical histories.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide more effective treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in comparing different antidepressants for chronic pain, but this specific approach using point of care randomization is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Age of 18 years old or above 2. Persistent pain for more than 3 months 3. Candidate for treatment by anti-depressant based on treating pain provider Exclusion criteria: 1. Prior failure of duloxetine and/or desipramine (patients who have failed other TCAs or SNRIs can be considered for the trial based on the reason for previous medication failure) 2. Contraindication to taking duloxetine or desipramine 3. Patient refusal
Where it's running
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Stanford Pain Management Center
Redwood City, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vafi Salmasi, MD. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Vafi Salmasi, MD.
- Email: vsalmasi@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-725-0246
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.