Could a common antidepressant ease pain after knee replacement?
NCT ID NCT05086393
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether the drug duloxetine, typically used for depression, can help reduce pain and the need for opioids after knee replacement surgery. Researchers enrolled 241 adults undergoing knee replacement and gave them either duloxetine or a placebo. The goal was to see if duloxetine improves recovery and lowers opioid use in the first two weeks after surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- duloxetine
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a better pain management plan after knee replacement, reducing opioid use and improving recovery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed Phase 4 trial with 241 participants, so results are available but may not apply to all patients. Duloxetine may cause side effects like nausea or dizziness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Rush University medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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