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What Causes Severe Pain Despite Taking High Dosages Of Morphine?
I am a retired veteran who is disabled. I have been in extreme pain and on high doses of pain medication for about 12 years. The meds have been working less and less to the point that I am suffering all of the time despite being on 100mg morphine 3x a day. My pain management doctors are thinking that I may not be metabolizing the meds like most people. They ordered a opioid lab panel but my co-pay part of the test was going to be $1600.00 Any thoughts as to why no amount of pain meds seem to help and what I can do?
Sat, 23 Jan 2021
Hello,
There is a condition known as opioid induced hyperalgesia in which high doses of opioids results in increased pain sensation to certain type of stimuli. The net effect is more pain after taking opioids like morphine. It would be better if you stop this high dose morphine and start on other pain relief modalities.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Meera Rajeev, Anesthesiologist
There is a condition known as opioid induced hyperalgesia in which high doses of opioids results in increased pain sensation to certain type of stimuli. The net effect is more pain after taking opioids like morphine. It would be better if you stop this high dose morphine and start on other pain relief modalities.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Meera Rajeev, Anesthesiologist
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