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The effect of donepezil on sedation and other symptoms in patients receiving opioids for cancer pain: a pilot study
- Source :
-
Journal of Pain & Symptom Management . Nov2003, Vol. 26 Issue 5, p1049. 6p. - Publication Year :
- 2003
-
Abstract
- Opioid-induced sedation is a major complication in patients with cancer pain. This study assessed the effectiveness of donepezil in opioid-induced sedation and related symptoms in patients with cancer pain. Twenty-seven patients who were receiving strong opioids for pain and reported sedation were enrolled. Donepezil 5 mg was given every morning for 7 days. Changes between baseline and Day 7 in sedation, pain, fatigue and other symptoms were evaluated using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Fatigue was also measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue). Overall usefulness of donepezil was measured by the patient at the end of the study. In 20 evaluable patients, sedation, fatigue, anxiety, well-being, depression, anorexia and problems with sleep were significantly improved. Side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and abdominal cramps, and anorexia. Overall, however, the treatment was well tolerated. Donepezil appears to improve sedation and fatigue in patients receiving opioids for cancer pain. Randomized controlled trials of this agent are justified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *CANCER pain
*OPIOIDS
*ANESTHESIA
*CLINICAL trials
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 08853924
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Pain & Symptom Management
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11174984
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/S0885-3924(03)00332-4