Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids01:15

Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids

831
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
831
Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

1.4K
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
1.4K
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners01:20

Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners

770
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
770
Opioid Receptors: Overview01:22

Opioid Receptors: Overview

3.7K
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
3.7K
Dosage Regimens: Designs and Approaches01:28

Dosage Regimens: Designs and Approaches

199
Designing a dosage regimen, which refers to the manner of drug administration, is a complex process involving the selection of drug dose, route, and frequency. This process is underpinned by pharmacokinetic parameters derived from tests and population averages. These parameters are then tailored to patient-specific variables such as diagnosis, demographics, and allergy status. Once therapy commences, therapeutic response monitoring is critical and achieved through clinical and physical...
199
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents01:17

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents

561
Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
561

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Substance use monitoring in supportive oncology: surveillance is not a clinical outcome, and policing is not a therapeutic framework.

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·2026
Same author

Routine Urine Drug Screening in Palliative Care - A Call for Evidence Before Implementation.

Journal of pain and symptom management·2026
Same author

Does the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale rule in or rule out anxiety and depression?

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·2026
Same author

A Cross-Sectional Street Survey Examining a Preference for Truth-Telling in Serious Illness and End-of-Life in Maputo City Province.

Journal of palliative medicine·2026
Same author

MASCC score and neutropenic complications: what is the likelihood?

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·2026
Same author

Intensive nursing intervention: what is the post treatment effect size on anxiety and depression?

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer·2026
Same journal

Advancing global health economics and policy of palliative and end-of-life care: insights from Ireland, Norway, Finland, Argentina, and India.

Annals of palliative medicine·2026
Same journal

Immune-related adverse effects in palliative care clinic.

Annals of palliative medicine·2026
Same journal

Palliative care for patients with haematologic malignancies: challenges and opportunities.

Annals of palliative medicine·2026
Same journal

Metastatic brachial plexopathy presenting as radiation-induced plexopathy in metastatic lung cancer: a case report and literature review.

Annals of palliative medicine·2026
Same journal

Artificial intelligence in home-based serious illness care: a scoping review of applications supporting quality palliative care.

Annals of palliative medicine·2026
Same journal

Christian and Indian religions on palliative sedation: a scoping study.

Annals of palliative medicine·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
09:29

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods

Published on: August 4, 2022

2.5K

Tapering opioids: a comprehensive qualitative review.

Mellar P Davis1, Glen Digwood1, Zankhana Mehta1

  • 1Geisinger Medical System, Danville, PA, USA.

Annals of Palliative Medicine
|February 4, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This review details the advantages and disadvantages of tapering opioids, offering strategies and identifying potential pitfalls for clinicians. It aims to improve the successful reduction and discontinuation of opioid therapy when clinically indicated.

Keywords:
Opioid taperallostasisdependenceopponenttolerance

More Related Videos

Combining Laser Capture Microdissection and Microfluidic qPCR to Analyze Transcriptional Profiles of Single Cells: A Systems Biology Approach to Opioid Dependence
09:54

Combining Laser Capture Microdissection and Microfluidic qPCR to Analyze Transcriptional Profiles of Single Cells: A Systems Biology Approach to Opioid Dependence

Published on: March 8, 2020

5.6K
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
07:23

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities

Published on: July 29, 2014

33.9K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
09:29

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods

Published on: August 4, 2022

2.5K
Combining Laser Capture Microdissection and Microfluidic qPCR to Analyze Transcriptional Profiles of Single Cells: A Systems Biology Approach to Opioid Dependence
09:54

Combining Laser Capture Microdissection and Microfluidic qPCR to Analyze Transcriptional Profiles of Single Cells: A Systems Biology Approach to Opioid Dependence

Published on: March 8, 2020

5.6K
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
07:23

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities

Published on: July 29, 2014

33.9K

Area of Science:

  • Pain Management
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Practice

Background:

  • Opioid therapy is a cornerstone of chronic pain management.
  • Concerns regarding long-term opioid use necessitate effective tapering strategies.
  • Clinicians require updated guidance on managing opioid tapering.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of opioid tapering benefits and risks.
  • To elucidate strategies and potential pitfalls during opioid dose reduction.
  • To enhance clinician knowledge for successful opioid therapy cessation.

Main Methods:

  • State-of-the-art literature review.
  • Synthesis of current evidence on opioid tapering.
  • Analysis of clinical best practices and challenges.

Main Results:

  • Opioid tapering offers significant benefits when managed correctly.
  • Potential risks include withdrawal symptoms and inadequate pain control.
  • Effective strategies involve gradual dose reduction and patient support.

Conclusions:

  • Successful opioid tapering requires careful planning and execution.
  • Clinicians equipped with knowledge can optimize patient outcomes.
  • Discontinuation of opioid therapy should be individualized.