Competent care for the dying instead of physician-assisted suicide

Article Abstract:

A physician believes that doctors should develop treatments for the physical and psychological problems of dying patients rather than helping them commit suicide. Most physicians do not receive training in the care of dying patients. Dying patients experience physical symptoms such as pain, psychological problems such as anxiety and depression and existential distress. Many of these physical and psychological problems can be treated. The legalization of physician-assisted suicide may deter physicians from developing treatments that could enhance the dying patient's quality of life.

Terminal care, Assisted suicide, Palliative treatment, Palliative care, Ethical aspects

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Opioids and chronic neuropathic pain

Article Abstract:

A study published in 2003 shows that opioid drugs can be effective in treating chronic pain, particularly pain that is caused by a peripheral nerve disorder. Pain caused by problems in the brain or spinal cord may be more difficult to treat with opioids. It may be necessary to use more than one opioid drug, which may prevent the development of addiction to any one particular drug.

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing, Narcotic Analgesic Preparations, Opioids

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Oral opioid therapy for chronic peripheral and central neuropathic pain

Article Abstract:

The opioid drug levorphanol may be effective for treating pain caused by nervous system disorders, according to a study of 81 patients. Pills containing 0.75 milligrams of the drug were more effective than pills containing 0.15 milligrams but high doses were also more likely to cause side effects.

Levorphanol

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