The use of codeine and its derivatives in pain management has become almost pervasive. But new research shows that the use of codeine is not only addictive but could cause pain enhancement in those who use the chemical for long term pain therapy.
Scientists in Adelaide, Australia have undertaken the first ever experiment on the comparison of the effects of morphine and codeine in pain management.
In the study, the researchers noticed that patients who used codeine frequently ended up with worse symptoms of headache than before the introduction of the therapy.
The experiments were first conducted in mice. Various painkiller dosage, and combinations, were employed in the experiment, which had a span of 4 days.
Through a technique called Frey Testing, in which fine wires can gauge pain sensitivity, the researchers noticed that not only did codeine provide a much lesser pain relieving advantage, it also increased pain sensitivity after the compound's effects ceased.
In fact, they noticed that the more the opioid was used, the more the pain sensitivity increased. That in effect is contrary to the whole idea of therapy, since it achieved the exact opposite of what it is intended to do.
Morphine also increases pain sensitivity, which was one of the factors for the adoption of codeine.
However, the pain enhancement effect is only seen in people who use codeine regularly or heavily. Those who use it rarely do not have to fear the same effect.
This finding however, could cause significant problems in pain management, due to the heavy reliance of the medical field on the compound and its derivatives.
Source : MNT/ 9.17.13
Scientists in Adelaide, Australia have undertaken the first ever experiment on the comparison of the effects of morphine and codeine in pain management.
In the study, the researchers noticed that patients who used codeine frequently ended up with worse symptoms of headache than before the introduction of the therapy.
The experiments were first conducted in mice. Various painkiller dosage, and combinations, were employed in the experiment, which had a span of 4 days.
Through a technique called Frey Testing, in which fine wires can gauge pain sensitivity, the researchers noticed that not only did codeine provide a much lesser pain relieving advantage, it also increased pain sensitivity after the compound's effects ceased.
In fact, they noticed that the more the opioid was used, the more the pain sensitivity increased. That in effect is contrary to the whole idea of therapy, since it achieved the exact opposite of what it is intended to do.
Morphine also increases pain sensitivity, which was one of the factors for the adoption of codeine.
However, the pain enhancement effect is only seen in people who use codeine regularly or heavily. Those who use it rarely do not have to fear the same effect.
This finding however, could cause significant problems in pain management, due to the heavy reliance of the medical field on the compound and its derivatives.
Source : MNT/ 9.17.13
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