Factors other than pain may increase the risk of long-term use of strong pain-relieving drugs after surgery, according to a study in the September issue of the International Anesthesia Research Society's Anesthesia & Analgesia.
The study reported that previous use of pain medications, high perceived risk of addiction and symptoms of depression can increase patient risk more than post-surgical pain.
Researchers studied patients undergoing various types of surgery. They found five months after surgery 6 percent of patients still had prescriptions for opioid drugs. Patients who took opioids for pain before surgery were 73 percent more likely to still be using these medications at follow-up.
Long-term opioid use was also connected with patients who rated themselves as being at increased risk of becoming addicted.
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The study reported that previous use of pain medications, high perceived risk of addiction and symptoms of depression can increase patient risk more than post-surgical pain.
Researchers studied patients undergoing various types of surgery. They found five months after surgery 6 percent of patients still had prescriptions for opioid drugs. Patients who took opioids for pain before surgery were 73 percent more likely to still be using these medications at follow-up.
Long-term opioid use was also connected with patients who rated themselves as being at increased risk of becoming addicted.
More Articles on Anesthesia:
Initial Guidelines Released For Face, Hand Transplant Anesthesia
Anesthesia Business Consultants Releases EHR Meaningful Use Software
Dr. John Szewczyk Earns Illinois Society of Anesthesiologists' Distinguished Service Award