Psychostimulants as adjuvant analgesics. 1994

E Bruera, and S Watanabe
Palliative Care Program, Edmonton General Hospital, Canada.

Psychostimulants have multiple roles in the adjuvant treatment of pain. This article reviews the pharmacology of different agents in this class. Studies will be discussed that demonstrate the efficacy of these drugs in potentiating opioid analgesia, counteracting opioid-induced sedation and cognitive impairment, allowing dose escalation in difficult pain syndromes, and alleviating symptoms of depression. Practical guidelines will be suggested, and areas for future research indicated.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010146 Pain An unpleasant sensation induced by noxious stimuli which are detected by NERVE ENDINGS of NOCICEPTIVE NEURONS. Suffering, Physical,Ache,Pain, Burning,Pain, Crushing,Pain, Migratory,Pain, Radiating,Pain, Splitting,Aches,Burning Pain,Burning Pains,Crushing Pain,Crushing Pains,Migratory Pain,Migratory Pains,Pains, Burning,Pains, Crushing,Pains, Migratory,Pains, Radiating,Pains, Splitting,Physical Suffering,Physical Sufferings,Radiating Pain,Radiating Pains,Splitting Pain,Splitting Pains,Sufferings, Physical
D011619 Psychotropic Drugs A loosely defined grouping of drugs that have effects on psychological function. Here the psychotropic agents include the antidepressive agents, hallucinogens, and tranquilizing agents (including the antipsychotics and anti-anxiety agents). Psychoactive Agent,Psychoactive Agents,Psychoactive Drug,Psychopharmaceutical,Psychopharmaceuticals,Psychotropic Drug,Psychoactive Drugs,Agent, Psychoactive,Agents, Psychoactive,Drug, Psychoactive,Drug, Psychotropic,Drugs, Psychoactive,Drugs, Psychotropic
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000700 Analgesics Compounds capable of relieving pain without the loss of CONSCIOUSNESS. Analgesic,Anodynes,Antinociceptive Agents,Analgesic Agents,Analgesic Drugs,Agents, Analgesic,Agents, Antinociceptive,Drugs, Analgesic

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