Amphetamines to counteract opioid-induced sedation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the data regarding the use of amphetamines and amphetamine derivatives to counteract opioid-induced sedation.


CONCLUSIONS
Sedation is a major dose-limiting adverse effect of opioid therapy for many patients. Several reports have evaluated the use of amphetamines and amphetamine derivatives, such as mazindol, dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate, to counteract opioid-induced sedation, with limited results.


CONCLUSIONS
General use of amphetamines for the treatment of opioid-induced sedation is not recommended. However, these agents may be effective for certain patients who experience dose-limiting sedation with opioids and have exhausted all other options available to manage this adverse effect More research is needed to identify appropriate candidates for therapy, the preferred amphetamine, and the optimal dose.
Corey
P J
PJ
Milwaukee Heart Institute, WI, USA.
Heck
A M
AM
Weathermon
R A
RA
D000662:Amphetamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects*
D000662:Amphetamines; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants