Increased Noradrenergic Neurotransmission to a Pain Facilitatory Area of the Brain Is Implicated in Facilitation of Chronic Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain induces brainstem noradrenergic activation that enhances descending facilitation from the DRt. This suggests that antidepressants inhibiting noradrenaline reuptake may enhance pain facilitation from the brain, counteracting their analgesic effects at the spinal cord.