Weaning From Long-term Opioid Therapy

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Mar;62(1):98-109. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000425.

Abstract

Opioid use for chronic noncancer pain poses a challenge to the gynecologist, and weaning opioids is often a goal for clinicians and patients. In some cases, opioid cessation can be achieved by weaning a patient's prescribed opioid or with symptomatic management with long-acting opioids or alpha2-adrenergic medications. This review imparts a basic understanding of the physiology of opioid withdrawal, strategies for achieving opioid abstinence, medications for treating the symptoms of withdrawal, and alternatives to opioid taper.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects*
  • Chronic Pain / drug therapy
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / methods
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / physiopathology
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Receptors, Opioid / drug effects
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Receptors, Opioid