Antidepressants might be worthless for treating low back pain, suggests a new review that found no evidence to support using the drugs in this way. Yet, up to 23 percent of U.S. physicians report prescribing antidepressants to patients with low back pain. Antidepressants are considered second- or third-line agents in the treatment of low back pain. It’s very common to be depressed with chronic pain, so that may be when clinicians are inclined to try a medication for both the chronic pain and the depression. Five studies reported no differences in pain between patients receiving antidepressants and those receiving a placebo; however, two studies reported less pain in patients receiving antidepressants. Seven studies reported no differences in depression in patients receiving antidepressants who also had low back pain compared to patients receiving placebo. Reviews like this are important for patients so they can learn about what options are available and which ones are effective. There are so many treatments and it’s very confusing for patients and clinicians alike.