Methadone in the treatment of neuropathic pain Journal Article
| Authors: | Gagnon, B.; Almahrezi, A.; Schreier, G. |
| Article Title: | Methadone in the treatment of neuropathic pain |
| Abstract: | Background: Methadone, being an N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor antagonist, may have a potential role in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of methadone in the treatment of neuropathic pain and to estimate the possible dose ranges needed for pain control. Methods: Methadone was offered as a treatment option to consecutive cancer and noncancer patients with neuropathic pain. Pain intensity was measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10 cm where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain). Mechanical allodynia and paroxysmal (shooting) pain were assessed clinically. All assessments were collected prospectively before treatment and once a stable dose of methadone was reached. Results: A total number of 18 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean pretreatment VAS ± SD was 7.7±1.5 cm and this dropped significantly to 1.4±1.7 cm on a stable dose of methadone (P<0.0001). Nine of 13 patients (70 %) had a complete resolution of mechanical allodynia and all eight patients (100%) with shooting pain reported a complete response. The median stable dose of methadone was 15 mg per day. Conclusion: Methadone at relatively low doses seems to be useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain. |
| Keywords: | adult; clinical article; aged; aged, 80 and over; middle aged; clinical trial; constipation; drowsiness; dose response; drug efficacy; side effect; prospective study; low drug dose; nausea; cancer pain; medical assessment; narcotic analgesic agent; disease severity; drug response; opioids; methadone; morphine; pain measurement; disease control; drug dose regimen; hydromorphone; visual analog scale; neuropathic pain; pain, intractable; fentanyl; allodynia; codeine; laxative; mononeuropathies; cancer; humans; human; male; female; article; neurophathic pain; anileridine |
| Journal Title: | Pain Research & Management |
| Volume: | 8 |
| Issue: | 3 |
| ISSN: | 1203-6765 |
| Publisher: | Pulsus Group Inc |
| Date Published: | 2003-01-01 |
| Start Page: | 149 |
| End Page: | 154 |
| Language: | English |
| PUBMED: | 14657982 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Export Date: 12 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus; Publication date: Fall 2003 |
