| Abstract: |
Pain, mood and hemodynamic effects of intranasal (IN) cocaine were studied in patients suffering from chronic facial pain of myofascial or deafferentation neuralgia origin. Fifteen and 25% aqueous solutions of cocaine were compared with a placebo of normal saline solution and 4% lidocaine, which served as an “active” control. Trials were evaluated on separate days in a randomized, double-blind cross-over comparison. Subjective reports of pain and mood and objective physiological measures were obtained before and at regular intervals during administration of each solution. Reductions in pain occurred at both cocaine concentrations but were statistically significant only after the 15% solution. On completion of the experimental phase, 11 patients participated in a single trial of a 40% cocaine solution under similar study conditions with the exception of the cross-over procedure. The 40% solution produced significantly greater improvement in analgesic effects than the 15% or 25% concentrations. No significant mood effects were observed for any of the treatments as compared to placebo. Pulse rate was increased after all cocaine doses. IN lidocaine produced a significant reduction of systolic blood pressure, but no significant changes in pain or mood. © 1988, United States Cancer Pain Relief Committee. All rights reserved.. All rights reserved. |
