Methadone in the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain: a 2-year follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the longitudinal use of methadone in a pain clinic.


METHODS
Follow-up study of 40 patients initially treated with methadone and re-evaluated 2 years later, comparing those maintained on methadone with those who were switched to other opioids.


METHODS
Pain clinic at a university hospital.


RESULTS
The 14 patients (35%) who stayed on methadone for the duration of the study, had higher employment rates (P <.05) and higher functional ratings (P <.02) than those on other opioids. Side effects were the most common reason (33.4%) for discontinuation of methadone. Dose escalation occurred in 11 of 14 patients (78.6%).


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic pain patients may be safely and effectively treated with methadone. Those not responding or tolerating methadone may be benefited by treatment with other opioids.
Taylor
W F
WF
Neurology Pain Clinic, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7025, USA.
Finkel
A G
AG
Robertson
K R
KR
Anderson
A C
AC
Toomey
T C
TC
Abashian
S A
SA
Mann
J D
JD