Opioid pain medications and antidepressants are commonly prescribed to patients for chronic non-cancer pain.
However, little evidence exists for their effectiveness in most pain states, including chronic pelvic pain. Whenever possible, initiation of opioid pain medications in chronic non-cancer pain should be avoided. If patients present for evaluation of disease states such as endometriosis or interstitial cystitis already using regular narcotics, physicians should be aware of ways to mediate misuse and diversion. Women with chronic pain should be screened for depression as well as a history of prior sexual abuse, and treatment or referral initiated when indicated.
Written by:
Steele A. Are you the author?
Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Surgery, Saint Louis University, 6420 Clayton Road, St Louis, MO 63117, USA.
Reference: Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2014 Sep;41(3):491-501.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25155127
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