Opioids

In 1998, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Panel on Chronic Pain in Older Persons24 specifically addressed the use of opioids in the elderly population, and included recommendations for anticipating and preventing side-effects.

The benefits and adverse effects of opioids are outlined below:

Opioid Analgesics in the Elderly
Benefits Potential burdens and adverse effects
  • Effective in wide and long-term clinical usage
  • No ceiling effect
  • Titratable
  • No end-organ toxicity
  • Wide variety of formulations, dosage strengths, routes of administration
  • Common: sedation, constipation, nausea, pruritus, physical dependence
  • Rare: allergy, respiratory depression, addiction
  • Other concerns: tolerance, mood disturbance, confusion, dizziness/ataxia, dysphoria, psychosis, myoclonus

return to top of page