Opioid serum concentrations in patients with chronic pain.
One hundred fifty-eight opioid serum concentrations from 110 chronic pain patients who were prescribed opioids reveal that patients with chronic pain may be quite functional and tolerant to high opioid dosages. Opioid serum concentrations must only be interpreted in light of whether the blood sample was taken from a nontolerant person or a chronic pain patient who has taken opioids over a long time period.
Tennant
Forest
F
Veract Intractable Pain Clinic, West Covina, California 91790-3043, USA. veractinc@msn.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D002140:California; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid