No wonder GPs are at a loss over how to taper opioids
An Australian analysis of the medical literature found 'no intervention stands out for recommendation'
Prescription opioid treatment for chronic non-cancer pain has precipitated an epidemic of addiction that is proving tough to quell.
The need to reduce opioid use — for the sake of both the patient in front of you and the nation — has become a mantra for health authorities.
But while the ‘what’ and ‘why’ may be clear, the ‘how to’ is fraught by claims and counterclaims.
For example, guidelines recommend consideration of opioid tapering, but last year, a major study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found this carried a risk of overdose, depression and suicide.
