Pharmacologic treatment of opioid-induced sedation in chronic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature for pharmacologic management of opioid-induced sedation (OIS) in patients with chronic pain.


METHODS
A search of MEDLINE (1966-October 2004) for English-language literature and selected bibliographies was completed. Search terms included pain, opioid, sedation, psychostimulants, amphetamines, modafinil, and donepezil.


RESULTS
Amphetamines and amphetamine-like agents, caffeine, donepezil, and modafinil have been evaluated for OIS. Available literature is limited by numbers of subjects, duration, and trial design; however, there is limited support for the use of methylphenidate, donepezil, and modafinil.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacologic treatment of OIS should be utilized selectively, given the available literature. Methylphenidate, donepezil, and modafinil may be considered in appropriate patients.
Reissig
James E
JE
Pain Management, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44398-7191, USA. jreissig@agmc.org
Rybarczyk
Amy M
AM
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid