Opioid Induced Hyperalgesia Prevented by Buprenorphine?

“Buprenorphine is a kappa receptor antagonist. For these reasons, buprenorphine might be unique in its ability to treat chronic pain and possibly OIH.” The opioid crisis has been fueled by the use of opioids to treat chronic pain.  Practice patterns have changed, but doctors are still criticized for their roles in the overuse of opioids.  I’ve sat through community ‘heroin forums’ (sometimes on stage) as sheriffs, politicians, and ‘recovered addicts’ firmly pointed fingers at health professionals.  I, meanwhile, kept my finger under the table, but had the thought that some of the people pointing would be the first to complain if they were forced to stop pain medication prematurely for their own good or ‘for the good of the community.’ Doctors can’t see into the future.  I suspect most cases of opioid overuse began with well-intended efforts to provide temporary pain relief.   But then for a variety of reasons things didn’t go as planned.  Maybe the planned knee or back surgery never took place because of patient indecision or insurance problems.  Maybe the lumbar strain didn’t heal after 6-8 weeks the way it was supposed to.  In any case, doctors who work with pain patients know what happens next.  Before the next appointment, the doctor plans to tell the patient that the time has come to stop opioids.  But after that suggestion, the patient replies that the pain is even worse now than when the pain meds were started.  “Actually...
Source: Suboxone Talk Zone - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Acute Pain Buprenorphine Chronic pain Suboxone treatment buprenorphine treats chronic pain chronic pain treatment opioid induced hyperalgesia opioid pain relief pain vs. addiction Source Type: blogs