Anti-Seizure vs. Anti-depressant Medications for Chronic Pain

(SPEC-AA Stanford Pragmatic Effectiveness Comparison – Anticonvulsant vs. Antidepressant)

About the Study

Stanford is studying two types of medicine used to treat chronic pain: Anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) and Antidepressant medications. Doctors often use these medicines for pain, and we want to see how well they work for different people.

In this study, you will be chosen at random to get either an anticonvulsant or an antidepressant, kind of like flipping a coin. You have an equal chance to get either one. This study is also “pragmatic”, meaning we try to keep your usual healthcare routine. So, you and your doctor will pick the best medicine for you from the type you're assigned.

Your Participation

  • After randomization, you will continue the medication for 6 months.
  • We will prescribe the medication directly to your pharmacy.
  • You will complete an online baseline survey at the time of enrollment (about 45 minutes).
  • You will complete 3 total surveys during the study period (about 5 minutes).
  • You will meet with a pain physician to guide treatment after each survey. We will use the information from the survey to best tailor the treatment plan for you.

Benefits

  • You will have access to guided treatment plan with a pain physician for 6 months, with a total of 4 visits.

Eligibility

  • Age > 18 years old
  • Chronic pain persisting for more than 6 months
  • Not being pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the course of the study
  • Willing to take either an anticonvulsant or antidepressant medication for 6 months
  • Living in California

If you have additional questions, please contact our research coordinator below:

Alex Oseguera
aoseguer@stanford.edu