Psychotropic adjuvant analgesics for cancer pain Journal Article


Author: Breitbart, W.
Article Title: Psychotropic adjuvant analgesics for cancer pain
Abstract: The mainstay of pharmacological interventions for cancer pain continues to be the appropriate use of narcotic analgesics. There is, however, growing awareness and acceptance of the benefits derived for cancer pain patients from psychiatric contributions to pain control, including the use of psychotropic adjuvant analgesics. Knowledge of the indications and usefulness of psychotropic drugs in cancer pain will be most rewarding, particularly since these drugs are useful not only in the treatment of psychiatric complications of cancer, but also as adjuvant analgesic agents in the management of cancer pain. This paper reviews the literature on the use of antidepressants, psychostimulants, neuroleptics and anxiolytics in the management of cancer pain. Mechanisms of analgesia, drug selection, recommendations for clinical usage and issues for future research are discussed. The appropriate and timely use of psychotropic adjuvant analgesic drugs represents an opportunity for active psychiatric contribution to the multidisciplinary management of cancer pain. Copyright © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Journal Title: Psycho-Oncology
Volume: 1
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1057-9249
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons  
Date Published: 1992-10-01
Start Page: 133
End Page: 145
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/pon.2960010303
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Source: Scopus
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  1. William S Breitbart
    505 Breitbart
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