Opioids for chronic nonmalignant pain. Choosing suitable candidates for long-term therapy.
Opioid maintenance analgesia for chronic nonmalignant pain can be successful in selected cases, but it is not a panacea for all pain, and management of patients using opioids can be an arduous process. A consistent and principle-based approach is recommended. Passion and chauvinism exist on both sides of the controversy and should be discouraged.
Belgrade
M J
MJ
Fairview Pain Management Center, Fairview-University Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. mbelgra1@fairview.org
D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply; D019567:Back Injuries / Q000150:complications; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000150:complications; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D018579:Patient Selection; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid