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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Profound morphine tolerance following high-dose methadone therapy
1Saint Luke's Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA. eugeniok@southcoast.org
Abstract:
Cross-tolerance among opioid analgesics may be a barrier to effective pain management. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, methadone continues to remain a viable option when other opioids have failed. Limited data are available regarding the impact of high-dose methadone on subsequent opioid analgesics. Conventional opioid doses may be insufficient for an analgesic effect in patients previously treated with methadone. A case of profound morphine tolerance following high-dose methadone therapy is described. The potential role of methadone-induced cross-tolerance is discussed.
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