The use of analgesics in patients with pain from terminal disease.

Abstract

Dying in pain is aforemost fear of most cancerpatients.1,2 Controllingpain is the foremostresponsibilityof those who carefor thesepatientsin the laterstagesof their illness.1,3,4 Uncontrolledpain in thesepatientsis amajor causeof the psychological symptomsof anxiety,depression, hostility, andloneliness2’5 andit contributesto the physicalsymptomsof insomnia, anorexia,weight loss, weakness,nausea,andvomiting.2’4’5 The goal of treatment is to useadequatedosesof analgesicson anaround-theclock basisin orderto keepthe patientascomfortableaspossible, while maintainingclear mentationandan unclouded sensorium.2’4 It hasbeenestimatedthat