OXYTOCIN, AN OPIOID ALTERNATIVE, READY FOR REGULAR CLINICAL USE TO MANAGE CHRONIC PAIN
By Forest Tennant, MD, DrPH https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/oxytocin-opioid-alternative-ready-regular-clinical-use-manage-chronic-pain
Relief Far Beyond the Most Common Use
Our growing understanding of this neurotransmitter-acting hormone has led to an appreciation of its involvement in the modulation of both physiologic and emotional functionality.3Research has yielded ample proof of its role as an efficacious nociceptive agent with great potential for pain management far beyond its more traditional use in childbirth.3 Given the urgent, public health need for immediately available opioid alternatives to meet the needs of our chronic pain patients, I along with a few colleagues, have been working hard to determine appropriate formulations, dosages, and clinical applications for oxytocin.4,5 I take this opportunity to draw attention to the clinical evidence that supports the suitable use of oxytocin for long-term relief of chronic pain. It is time we herald oxytocin as a very favorable pain management alternative to opioids.
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