Opioids for persistent noncancer pain.
Opioids are extensively used in the management of all types of pain and their use is underpinned by extensive trial evidence and an abundance of practical experience. We are still amassing insight into how they achieve their pain-relieving effects, however, and this understanding becomes more complex as time progresses and shows that opioids are medications with complex and diverse central and peripheral nervous system effects. Despite the 200 years that have passed since the chemical isolation of morphine, every year brings new understanding of the mode of action, propensity to cause side effects, and appropriate clinical use of opioids. This article concentrates on this "new" evidence as disclosed by recent publications.
McCleane
Gary
G
Rampark Pain Centre, 2 Rampark Dromore Road, Lurgaqn BT66 7JH, Northern Ireland, UK. gary@mccleane.freeserve.co.uk
Smith
Howard S
HS
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid