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Trends in opioid use for chronic neuropathic pain: a survey of patients pursuing enrollment in clinical trials

[Évolution de l’usage des opioïdes contre la douleur neuropathique chronique : une enquête auprès de patients voulant participer à des essais cliniques]

From the Department of Anesthesiology Kingston General Hospital Queen’s University Kingston Ontario Canada.

Address correspondence to: Dr. Ian Gilron, Director, Clinical Pain Research, Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Queen’s University, 76 Stuart St, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada. Fax: 613-548-1375; E-mail: gilroni{at}post.queensu.ca

Purpose: Clinical trials suggest that opioids relieve neuropathic pain and decrease pain-related disability. We conducted a pilot study of current prescribing trends and patients’ attitudes towards opioids for neuropathic pain.

Methods: A patient questionnaire was completed by individuals pursuing enrollment in neuropathic pain clinical trials at our facility.

Results: Of 154 patients with diabetic neuropathy (55.2%), postherpetic neuralgia (29.9%), idiopathic peripheral neuropathy (9.7%) and other neuropathies (5.2%), 73.4% complained of inadequate pain control, the mean pain duration was 4.7 (SD = 4.4) yr and the mean pain intensity (0–10) was 7.7 (SD = 2.3). In this group, 40.9% had never tried opioids and 24.7% had never tried any opioids, tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants. Only 9.7% were receiving long-acting opioids or "around the clock" dosing whereas 25.3% were receiving opioids on an "as needed" basis. Opioids combined with tricyclic antidepressants and/or anticonvulsants were used in 11.0%. Fear of addiction and adverse effects were expressed by 31.8% and 46.8% respectively.

Conclusion: These data suggest that barriers to opioid therapy for neuropathic pain include patients’, and possibly physicians’, fears of addiction and adverse effects, which are exaggerated in light of current evidence. The merits of continuous treatment with sustained-release opioids, "as needed" dosing with short-acting preparations, or combining opioids with other agents are discussed. Continued research and communication between health professionals, law enforcement officials and legislators is vital in order to facilitate appropriate opioid use which has a minimal negative impact on the public yet optimally benefits individuals who suffer from disabling neuropathic pain.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				I. Gilron, C. P. N. Watson, C. M. Cahill, and D. E. Moulin Neuropathic pain: a practical guide for the clinician. Can. Med. Assoc. J., August 1, 2006; 175(3): 265 - 275. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. J. Clark and M. E. Lynch Opioid therapy and chronic non-cancer pain/Le traitement aux opioides et la douleur non cancereuse Can J Anesth, January 1, 2003; 50(1): 1 - 4. [Full Text] [PDF]