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The benzodiazepines as adjuvant analgesics
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Benzodiazepines likely do not have direct pain-relieving effects. Their perceived analgesic properties may stem from reducing anxiety and depression, not from direct pain reduction.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Long-standing debate exists on whether benzodiazepines possess intrinsic analgesic properties.
- Evidence for direct pain relief independent of psychotropic effects is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the literature on benzodiazepine analgesic properties.
- To determine if benzodiazepines offer meaningful pain relief in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating benzodiazepines and pain.
- Analysis of evidence regarding direct versus indirect analgesic effects.
Main Results:
- Insufficient evidence supports direct analgesic properties of benzodiazepines in most circumstances.
- Observed pain reduction is likely secondary to psychotropic effects like anxiety alleviation.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepines may indirectly reduce pain complaints by managing anxiety and depression.
- Consideration for acute muscle spasm, chronic pain with anxiety, and neuropathic pain, but not as first-line treatments due to side effect risks.