Comparing Duloxetine and Desipramine for Chronic Pain Management
Comparing Effectiveness of Duloxetine and Desipramine in Patients With Chronic Pain: A Pragmatic Trial Using Point of Care Randomization
This study is testing whether duloxetine or desipramine works better for managing chronic pain in patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 320 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Redwood City, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT03548454 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in comparing different antidepressants for chronic pain, but this specific approach using point of care randomization is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Redwood City, California
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.