Journal of Pain Management and Therapy

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Short Communication - Journal of Pain Management and Therapy (2023) Volume 7, Issue 2

Pharmacological management of chronic pain: Balancing risks and benefits.

Steven David*

Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine

*Corresponding Author:
Steven David
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California
Los Angeles, CA, USA
E-mail:steven.david@mail.upn.edu

Received:01-Mar-2023,Manuscript No. AAPMT-23-90281; Editor assigned: 03-Mar-2023, PreQC No. AAPMT-23-90281(PQ); Reviewed:17-Mar-2023, QC No. AAPMT-23-90281; Revised:22-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAPMT-23-90281(R); Published:29-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aapmt- 7.2.139

Citation: David S. Pharmacological management of chronic pain: Balancing risks and benefits. J Pain Manage Ther. 2023;7(2):139

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Pain Management and Therapy

Abstract

Chronic pain is a widespread and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Pharmacological management is one of the most common approaches to pain management, but it is crucial to balance the risks and benefits of pharmacological interventions to ensure the best outcomes for patients. This article provides an overview of the pharmacological management of chronic pain, including opioid analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and topical analgesics. Each medication class is associated with risks and benefits that must be considered when selecting the appropriate treatment for individual patients. This article highlights the importance of monitoring patients closely for adverse effects and using pharmacological interventions at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. By balancing the risks and benefits of pharmacological interventions, healthcare providers can provide effective pain management while minimizing the potential for harm.

Abstract

Chronic pain is a widespread and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Pharmacological management is one of the most common approaches to pain management, but it is crucial to balance the risks and benefits of pharmacological interventions to ensure the best outcomes for patients. This article provides an overview of the pharmacological management of chronic pain, including opioid analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and topical analgesics. Each medication class is associated with risks and benefits that must be considered when selecting the appropriate treatment for individual patients. This article highlights the importance of monitoring patients closely for adverse effects and using pharmacological interventions at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. By balancing the risks and benefits of pharmacological interventions, healthcare providers can provide effective pain management while minimizing the potential for harm.

Keywords

Chronic pain, Opioid analgesics, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Anticonvulsants, Corticosteroids.

Introduction

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, beyond the usual healing time of an injury. Chronic pain can have a significant impact on an individual's physical, emotional, and social well-being, leading to decreased quality of life and increased healthcare costs. Pharmacological management of chronic pain is one of the most common approaches to pain management. However, it is crucial to balance the risks and benefits of pharmacological interventions to ensure the best outcomes for patients.[1].

Opioid Analgesics

Opioid analgesics are potent pain relievers that act on the central nervous system (CNS) by binding to opioid receptors. They are often used for the management of moderate to severe chronic pain. However, they are associated with several risks, including addiction, tolerance, dependence, and overdose. The misuse of prescription opioids has led to an opioid epidemic in many parts of the world. Therefore, it is essential to use opioids judiciously and monitor patients closely for adverse effects.[2].

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications used for the management of chronic pain, inflammation, and fever. They work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are involved in pain and inflammation. NSAIDs can be effective for the management of mild to moderate chronic pain, but they are associated with several risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular events. It is crucial to use NSAIDs at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible and to monitor patients for adverse effects.[3].

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications that are primarily used for the treatment of depression. However, they can also be effective for the management of chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain. Antidepressants work by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the CNS. They are associated with several side effects; including sedation, dry mouth, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is essential to balance the benefits and risks of antidepressant therapy and monitor patients for adverse effects.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are medications used for the treatment of epilepsy, but they can also be effective for the management of chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain. Anticonvulsants work by modulating the levels of neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, in the CNS. They are associated with several side effects, including sedation, dizziness, ataxia, and cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is essential to balance the benefits and risks of anticonvulsant therapy and monitor patients for adverse effects.[4].

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are medications used for the management of chronic pain and inflammation. They work by suppressing the immune system and reducing the production of cytokines, which are involved in pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids can be effective for the management of chronic pain associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. However, they are associated with several risks, including weight gain, hypertension, osteoporosis, and immunosuppression. Therefore, it is essential to use corticosteroids at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible and monitor patients for adverse effects.

Topical Analgesics

Topical analgesics are medications that are applied directly to the skin and can provide localized pain relief. They can be effective for the management of chronic pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain. Topical analgesics work by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals or by reducing inflammation. They are associated with minimal.[5].

Conclusion

Pharmacological management is one of the most common approaches to pain management in patients with chronic pain. However, each medication class is associated with risks and benefits that must be carefully considered when selecting the appropriate treatment for individual patients. The risks associated with opioid analgesics, NSAIDs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, and topical analgesics must be balanced against their potential benefits. It is essential to monitor patients closely for adverse effects and use pharmacological interventions at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. By balancing the risks and benefits of pharmacological interventions, healthcare providers can provide effective pain management while minimizing the potential for harm. Ultimately, effective pain management requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological interventions, and patient education. Through a collaborative effort, patients with chronic pain can achieve optimal pain management and improved quality of life.

References

  1. Herzog CA.How to manage the renal patient with coronary heart disease: the agony and the ecstasy of opinion-based medicine. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2003;14(10):2556-72.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Thielke SM, Shortreed SM, Saunders K, et al. A prospective study of predictors of long-term opioid use among patients with chronic noncancer pain.Clin J Pain. 2017;33(3):198-204.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Bandieri E, Romero M, Ripamonti CI, et al.Randomized trial of low-dose morphine versus weak opioids in moderate cancer pain.J Clin Oncol. 2016;34(5):436-42.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Trang T, Al-Hasani R, Salvemini D, et al.Pain and poppies: the good, the bad, and the ugly of opioid analgesics.J Neurosci. 2015;35(41):13879-88.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar,Cross Ref

  5. Chen L, Sein M, Vo T, et al.Clinical interpretation of opioid tolerance versus opioid-induced hyperalgesia.J Opioid Manag. 2014;10(6):383–93.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App