TABLE 10.
Comparative numbers needed to treat (NNT) (for greater than 50% pain relief) and numbers needed to harm (NNH) (for withdrawal from the study) for tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants and opioids in the treatment of neuropathic pain
| NNT | NNH | |
|---|---|---|
| Tricyclic antidepressants | ||
| Amitriptyline | 2.4 | |
| Clomipramine | 2.1 | |
| Desipramine | 2.4 | |
| Imipramine | 2.1 | |
| Nortriptyline | 2.6 | |
| Average combined tricyclic antidepressants | 2.3 | 14.7 |
| Anticonvulsants | ||
| Carbamazepine | 1.7* | 21.7 |
| Gabapentin | 3.8 | 26.1 |
| Lamotrigine | 4.0 | – |
| Pregabalin | 4.2 | 11.7 |
| Average combined anticonvulsants | 3.4 | 19.8 |
| Opioids | ||
| Morphine | 2.5 | NS |
| Oxycodone | 2.6 | NS |
| Tramadol | 3.9 | 9.0 |
| Average combined opioids | 3 | 3 |
*
In trigeminal neuralgia. NS Nonsignificant. Data from reference 51