opioid-induced hyperalgesia

Etiology

• prolonged & escalating doses of opioids

Pathology

• neuroexitatory effects of long-term opioid use

Clinical manifestations

• worsening pain despite increase in opioid dosage
• pain may be burning & or constant
• other manifestations
  • cognitive slowing
  • hyperreflexia
  • myoclonus

Management

• opioid dosage reduction in a monitored setting

More general terms

• hyperesthesia (hyperalgesia)

More specific terms

• narcotic bowel syndrome; opioid-induced gastrointestinal hyperalgesia