Hyperalgesia, allodynia, and eventual overdose: The problems with chronic opioid use.

Abstract

Opioids are known to come with some relatively benign side effects, not including their addictive potential. This review will look at some of the side effects that occur when patients, especially chronic pain patients, take opioids chronically. These side effects include both hyperalgesia and allodynia caused by opioids. Overdose and factors, including hyperalgesia and allodynia, that make a patient more likely to overdose, is the other topic that will be covered. Not much research has been done with human subjects regarding treatment of opioid induced hyperalgesia or allodynia, but some of this research will also be briefly explored throughout this review.