Chronic Pain Management: Older People Need Better Access to Opioid Analgesics

Sherene Chen See is a freelance writer from Toronto, Ontario. We regret that Sherene Chen See's articles are not available on-line.

Acetaminophen is the drug of choice for relieving mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain.

Opioid analgesic drugs are effective for relieving moderate to severe pain. Regulatory agencies should review their policies to allow older patients better access to opioid analgesic drugs for pain.

Non-opioid analgesic medications (including atypical pain modulating drugs like tricyclics and anticonvulsants) may be appropriate for some patients with neuropathic pain and other chronic pain syndromes.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used with caution. In older people NSAIDs have significant side effects and are the most common cause of adverse drug reactions, especially in the frail elderly.

¹ The management of chronic pain in older persons: AGS Panel on Chronic Pain in Older Persons. American Geriatrics Society. J Am Geriatr Soc 1998;46(5):635-51.