RT Book, Section
A1 Fishman, Scott M.
A1 Condon, Joseph
A1 Holtsman, Mark
A2 Warfield, Carol A.
A2 Bajwa, Zahid H.
SR Print(0)
ID 3419308
T1 Chapter 60. Common Opioid-Related Side Effects
T2 Principles & Practice of Pain Medicine, 2e
YR 2004
FD 2004
PB The McGraw-Hill Companies
PP New York, NY
SN 9780071443494
LK accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=3419308
RD 2024/04/19
AB This  chapter  discusses  the  special  set  of  potential  opioid-related  complications.  Objective  signs  and  symptoms  of  chronic  pain  are  hard  to  ascertain,  whereas  opioid  use  is  associated  with  concrete  signs  and  symptoms  that  may  act  as  markers  for  opioid  side  effects.  Most  commonly,  opioids  produce  constipation,  nausea,  vomiting,  sedation,  and  respiratory  depression.  Any  adverse  effects  from  opioids  may  significantly  limit  therapy,  and  some  can  present  with  life-threatening  consequences.  Unfortunately,  there  are  few  predictors  of  which  patients  will  experience  which  side  effects  and  which  particular  opioids  will  produce  them.  It  is  sensible  to  expect  side  effects  and  to  take  preventive  action.  Since  not  all  opioid-related  toxicity  can  be  predicted  or  prevented,  patients  should  be  closely  followed  with  a  high  level  of  suspicion.  Effective  management  includes  anticipation  of  adverse  effects  when  possible,  use  of  preventive  measures,  and  choosing  the  best  medication  with  the  optimum  method  of  administration.  Clear  communication  with  the  patient,  family,  or  nurse  to  ensure  prompt  recognition  and  response  to  adverse  effects  is  of  utmost  importance  in  order  to  recognize  and  prevent  possible  adverse  effects  of  opioid  treatment.