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Effect of concomitant administration of oxycontin and amitriptyline on patients with severe cancer pain and depression


Chen Di
Ding Xu

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effects of oxycontin combined with amitriptyline on patients with severe cancer pain and depression.
Methods: Patients with severe cancer pain and depression (n = 46) were randomly divided into two groups. The study group was given oxycontin combined with amitriptyline, while the control group received only oxycontin, each over a period of 4 weeks. Analgesic effect and depression relief were evaluated using FPS-R (Faces Pain Scale–Revised) and HAMD17 (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-Item). In addition, the dose of medication and adverse drug reactions were monitored.
Results: Pain in patients in the two groups were significantly relieved after treatment (p < 0.01). Symptoms in the study group were significantly improved, when compared with the situation before treatment, while HAMD17 scores significantly decreased (p < 0.01). The mean dosage of oxycontin in the study group in the fourth week after treatment was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01). There were no obvious differences in adverse reactions between patients in the two groups.
Conclusion: Oxycontin combined with amitriptyline effectively controls severe cancer pain, and ameliorates depression and improves the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.

Keywords: Cancer pain, Depression, Oxycodone, Amitriptyline, FPS-R, HAMD17 scores


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996