The conundrum of opioid tapering in long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain: A commentary

ABSTRACT

Background: In response to the opioid epidemic and new guidelines, many patients on high-dose long term opioid therapy (LTOT) for chronic pain are getting tapered off opioids. As a result, a unique clinical challenge is emerging: while many on LTOT have poor pain control, functional decline, psychiatric instability, aberrancies and misuse, these issues may often worsen with opioid tapering. Currently, a clear explanation and practical guidance on how to manage this perplexing clinical scenario is lacking. Methods: We offer a commentary with our perspective on possible mechanisms involved in this clinical phenomena and offer practical management guidance, supported by available evidence. Results: It is not well recognized that allostatic opponent process involved in development of opioid dependence can cause worsening pain, functional status, sleep and psychiatric symptoms over time, and significant fluctuation of pain and other affective symptoms due to their bidirectional dynamic interaction with opioid dependence (‘affective dynamism’). These elements of complex persistent dependence (CPD), the grey area between simple dependence and addiction, can lead to escalating and labile opioid need, often generating aberrant behaviors. Opioid tapering, a seemingly logical intervention in this situation, may lead to worsening of pain, function and psychiatric symptoms due to development of protracted abstinence syndrome. We offer practicing clinicians management principles and practical guidance focused on management of CPD in addition to chronic pain in these difficult clinical scenarios.

Conclusion: Awareness of the science of the neuroplasticity effects of repeated use of opioids is necessary to better manage these patients with complex challenges.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank William C. Becker for extensive review and edits that greatly enhanced this article.

FUNDING

Ajay Manhapra was supported by the Research in Addiction Medicine Scholars (RAMS) Program, Grant number R25DA033211 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and VA/OAA Interprofessional Advanced Fellowship in Addiction Treatment. The funding organizations had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.