Analgesic effects of 5‐HT₃ receptor antagonists

Abstract

Current research suggests an involvement of 5‐HT₃ receptors in peripheral and central perception and processing of pain as well as in inflammation. Tropisetron and other selective 5‐HT₃ receptor antagonists have been used successfully for pain reduction and treatment of related symptoms in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This article proposes a concept of the underlying pathophysiology and mechanisms of action of 5‐HT₃ receptor antagonists in the context of the relevant clinical data on their application in patients with rheumatic disease.