Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about antidepressants:

1. Can my pain be treated with antidepressants?
   
   
2. Can antidepressants still help relieve my pain even if I don’t have depression?
   
   
3. How do antidepressants work in reducing my pain?
   
   
4. I take the newer antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Do these help relieve pain?
   
   
5. I understand that a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) has been approved for relief of diabetic neuropathy. Can it also treat other pain that I have?
   
   
6. What are my potential side effects when taking antidepressants for pain relief?
   
   
7. Is it safe for me to take antidepressants if I take triptans for my headaches? Can any of the other medications I take interact badly with antidepressants?
   
   
8. Is it safe for me to take more than one type of antidepressant? Is it safe for me to use antidepressants while taking herbs or other supplements that may help treat depression, such as St. John’s wort?
   
   
9. What is the name of my medication and its dosage?
   
   
10. How and when do I take my medication?
    
    
11. What should I do if I miss a dose or take an extra dose?
    
    
12. At what point should I notify you of side effects?
    
    
13. Do these drugs raise special concerns for children, the elderly or women who are pregnant? Can they cause me problems if I have or am at risk of developing diabetes, heart conditions, glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease, prostate enlargement, osteoporosis or other disorders?