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Published on: July 29, 2014
Misuse of opioid analgesics in elderly patients: a review
Manon Cublier1, Pascal Menecier2, Armin von Gunten3
1Service universitaire de psychiatrie de l'âge avancé (SUPAA), Hôpital de Cery, Prilly, Suisse, Consultations mémoire, CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France.
Abstract:
Opioid analgesic (OA) addiction occurs frequently among the elderly, and results in high morbidity and mortality due to geriatric pathologies associated with pharmacokinetic modifications. However, patients with this type of addiction are under-identified and specific screening tools should be more widely used to detect the risk factors for OA addiction. Before initiating an opioid prescription, exhaustive research into associated treatments (to track drug interaction) and opioid prescriptions by other clinicians (a phenomenon known as "doctor shopping") is required. Specific specialist care, as has been developed in the United States, is still scarce in France and treatment is provided through collaboration between geriatricians and psychiatrists. Optimisation of the treatment of somatic and psychiatric comorbidities is key to effective management.
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