[Transdermal fentanyl for neuropathic pain: a case report]

The mechanisms responsible for neuropathic pain are not fully understood. Most treatment modalities are ineffective or insufficient for this important clinical condition. Better understanding of pain mechanisms and opioid drug action has widened the indications for opioids in pain therapy of non-malignant pain including neuropathic pain. In this report of a female patient with chronic non-malignant neuropathic pain was followed-up for pain and side effects, for approximately fourteen months with the use of transdermal fentanyl (TDF). Pain reduction was good throughout the study. Severe side effects did not occur. TDF was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain of non-malignant origin.