As if we haven't already pointed out enough reasons to avoid routine use of opioids, here is yet another. A recent article in the journal Pain reports that incidence of new onset depression has been associated with chronic use of opiate based medications. The authors of the study followed over 300 patients who suffered from low back pain and followed up on each patient at one year and two years respectively. The authors believe that the risk of depression increased in two ways: 1) the amount of daily morphine (opiate) exposure and 2) the duration of time that opioids were used by the patient.
I personally believe that these medications have their place in pain management...for instance, post surgical or post medical procedure...or perhaps, for breakthrough pain. The issue becomes problematic when a patient relies on this type of medication around the clock on a daily basis.
You can read more about this study in an article found here.
Sources: MedExpress; deviantart.net;wikimedia
I personally believe that these medications have their place in pain management...for instance, post surgical or post medical procedure...or perhaps, for breakthrough pain. The issue becomes problematic when a patient relies on this type of medication around the clock on a daily basis.
You can read more about this study in an article found here.
Sources: MedExpress; deviantart.net;wikimedia
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