2024/12/22 by N. BAHLOUL, S. MAJDOUB FEHRI, S. MSAAD +6
#Chronic pain #Co-analgesics #Elderly #Non-opioids #Opioids
paper · doi:10.71776/pist-jims-189686
Despite its many negative effects on the functioning, emotional health and quality of life of those who suffer from it, pain remains under-treated in the elderly. Effective pain management must consider not only the underlying pathologies that contribute to the pain, but also the patient's comorbidities, the increased potential for drug interactions, as well as the environmental factors (physical, psychosocial and economic). The analgesics used for the management of pain are classically classified as non-opioid and opioid, in 3 steps by the World Health Organization. Co-analgesics such as antidepressants and antiepileptics are used for the management of neuropathic pain. Non-opioid drugs include paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and nefopam. The weak opioids include codeine and tramadol. Strong opioids are indicated immediately in very severe pain and in moderate to severe pain not responding to weak opioids.