Chronic use of opioids in intractable facial pain: A case report

The use of opioids in chronic non-malignant pain conditions is largely rejected by the health authorities. Their concern is mostly due to the potential problems of addiction and other adverse effects of opioids. However, in certain pain conditions opioids may be the only effective remedy. This article presents some guidelines for the use of narcotics for non-cancer pain. A case is presented in which methadone in small doses in combination with an antidepressant was the first drug capable of alleviating the patient's suffering. The drug was effective during a period of 9 months.