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Tolerance, Dependence & Addiction in Pain Management

- Summary
- About tolerance, dependence and addiction
- Treating patients
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Vikas Garg, M.D., MSA

Summary

Tolerance, dependence and addiction are three separate conditions that can be linked to the use of certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Although they often are mistakenly confused with one other, each condition has distinct characteristics, including:

  • Tolerance. Occurs in patients who use certain medications over a long period of time and find that larger amounts of the drug are required to obtain the same effect achieved at the initial dosage.

  • Physical dependence. Occurs in patients whose bodies adapt to using a drug. Patients who become physically dependent upon a drug will suffer symptoms of withdrawal if their bodies are suddenly deprived of the medication.

  • Addiction. A primary physical and psychological disease. It is characterized by harmful and compulsive use of a drug that results in repeated and significant adverse consequences. Addiction to painkillers such as opioids is uncommon Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by vision changes (aura), nausea and/or vomiting.when they are used correctly under close supervision of a physician  to control pain such a migraine attack.
Physicians can work closely with patients to ensure that pain is properly managed and that any potential development of these conditions is reduced or eliminated.

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Review Date: 04-12-2007

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