The doctor's dilemma: opiate analgesics and chronic pain

Neuron. 2011 Feb 24;69(4):591-4. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.02.001.

Abstract

Opiates are utilized routinely and effectively as a short-term analgesic treatment for a variety of acute pain conditions such as occur following trauma, and for patients with painful terminal diseases such as cancer. Because opiate analgesics are highly addictive substances, their use in the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain remains controversial.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / etiology*
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Physicians / psychology*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid