Opioid-induced Neurotoxicity in Patients with Cancer Pain

Abstract

Opioid-induced neurotoxicity (OINT) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome observed with opioid therapy. The mechanism of OINT is thought to be multifactorial, and many risk factors may facilitate its development. If symptoms of OINT are seen, the prescriber should consider hydration, discontinuation of the offending opioid drug, or switching of opioid medication, or the use of some adjuvants. Multiple factors like inter- and intraindividual differences in opioid pharmacology may influence the accuracy of dose calculations for opioid switching. Experience and clinical judgment in a specialistic palliative care setting should be used and individual patient characteristics considered when applying any conversion table.

Keywords: Adverse effects; Cancer pain; Delirium; Hyperalgesia; Methadone; Myoclonus; Opioid rotation; Opioid switching; Opioin-induced neurotoxicity.