Haloperidol for the treatment of opioid addiction in advanced cancer patients: a case series. Issue 2 (17th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parisi, Alessandro; Pensieri, Maria Vittoria; Cortellini, Alessio; D'Orazio, Carla; Ficorella, Corrado; Verna, Lucilla; Porzio, Giampiero
• Is Part Of: Journal of addictive diseases. Volume 38:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 229
• Page End: 234
• Publication Date: 2020-02-17
• Subjects: Opioids -- addiction -- haloperidol -- cancer -- pain management; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Compulsive behavior -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1742560
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-0887

Abstract

Abstract: Opioid addiction, if not well diagnosed and treated, can be a significant challenge for optimal pain management even in cancer patients. To date there is no definitive pharmacological standard of care for treating addiction, especially in this setting of patients. We present a clinical case series of three opioid-addicted advanced cancer patients, effectively treated with haloperidol, a well-known first-generation typical antipsychotic.