L'utilisation des morphiniques dans les douleurs chroniques non cancéreuses

Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trials have proved the efficacy of opioid analgesics in non-malignant pain. Opioids are used increasingly for chronic non cancer pain. The clinical characteristics of the pain do not predict response to opioids. An opioid trial should not be done in the absence of a complete assessment of the pain complaint. Such prescription must be associated with periodic review of the status of the patient. Data are presently inadequate to determine long term adverse event rates and risk of abuse and addiction.