Can an antidepressant boost pain relief for head and neck cancer patients?

NCT ID NCT03574792

First seen Apr 23, 2026 · Last updated Apr 30, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study looked at whether adding venlafaxine (a medication often used for depression) to standard pain medicines like gabapentin, methadone, and oxycodone can better control pain in people with head and neck cancer who are getting chemoradiation. About 62 patients with stage III or IV cancer took part. The goal was to see if the combination reduces pain and improves quality of life during treatment.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

    Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States

Conditions

Explore the condition pages connected to this study.