Open AccessMethadone in the Treatment of Chronic Nonmalignant Pain: A 2‐Year Follow‐up
Author(s) -
Taylor William F.,
Finkel Alan G.,
Robertson Kevin R.,
Anderson Abigail C.,
Toomey Timothy C.,
Abashian Sandra A.,
Mann J. Douglas
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1046/j.1526-4637.2000.00027.x
Subject(s) - methadone , medicine , discontinuation , opioid , anesthesia , chronic pain , physical therapy , receptor
Objective. To examine the longitudinal use of methadone in a pain clinic. Design. Follow‐up study of 40 patients initially treated with methadone and re‐evaluated 2 years later, comparing those maintained on methadone with those who were switched to other opioids. Setting. Pain clinic at a university hospital. Results. The 14 patients (35%) who stayed on methadone for the duration of the study, had higher employment rates ( P < .05) and higher functional ratings ( P < .02) than those on other opioids. Side effects were the most common reason (33.4%) for discontinuation of methadone. Dose escalation occurred in 11 of 14 patients (78.6%). Conclusions. Chronic pain patients may be safely and effectively treated with methadone. Those not responding or tolerating methadone may be benefited by treatment with other opioids.