Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvant Therapy for Acute Postoperative Neuropathic Pain Crisis

O'NeilThomas, RodgersPhillip E., and ShultzCameron.
Journal of Palliative Medicine. -Not available-,

Journal of Palliative Medicine

Author information

Thomas O'Neil, MD, Phillip E. Rodgers, MD, and Cameron Shultz, PhD, MSW

Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Address correspondence to:

Thomas O'Neil, MD

Department of Family Medicine

University of Michigan Medical School

1150 West Medical Center Drive

M7300 Medical Science I

SPC 5625 Ann Arbor, MI 48109

E-mail: thomasao@med.umich.edu

Accepted April 7, 2014

ABSTRACT

Background: Dexmedetomidine is a potent α₂-adrenergic agonist U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for sedation. While its use as an analgesic has been described in the palliative medicine literature, its use for managing an acute neuropathic pain episode is less well known.

Methods: Here we describe the use of adjuvant dexmedetomidine in a patient with metastatic sarcoma suffering from an acute postoperative neuropathic pain crisis.

Conclusion: Among patients with acute neuropathic pain for whom additional opioids raises respiratory-related concerns, the use of dexmedetomidine should be considered as a viable treatment alternative.