Patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the most common form of antidepressant, who are given the most widely prescribed opioid, hydrocodone (Vicodin) experience less pain relief,
a finding whch could help combat the opioid epidemic, as poorly managed pain may lead to eventual illegal and dangerous opioid use.
Up to 15 percent of Americans take an antidepressant while hydrocodone and codeine are often prescribed to patients who have recently undergone surgery. If they are taking an antidepressant and it leads to greater pain, they may want to increase their dosage. Because pain medication is prevalent they focused on surgical patients.