This systematic review investigates the effectiveness and safety of antidepressants for managing chronic temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), a significant source of orofacial pain. The authors analyzed seven randomized controlled trials that explored various antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and duloxetine, often in combination with non-pharmacological treatments. Their findings suggest that antidepressants, especially when part of a multimodal approach, may offer relief from TMD pain and improve function. However, the review highlights limitations in the existing research, including small sample sizes and inconsistent methodologies, necessitating further high-quality studies to solidify these conclusions and optimize treatment strategies.

1.Dei, T. et al. Beyond Depression: The Role of Antidepressants in Managing Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders. A Systematic Review. J. Oral Rehabilitation (2025) doi:10.1111/joor.13971.