The morphine and cognitive functions

Tomasz Buss; Aleksandra Modlińska; Justyna Janiszewska

Vol 2, No 4 (2003): Polish Palliative Medicine

Artykuły poglądowe

Published online: 2003-09-30

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The morphine and cognitive functions

Tomasz Buss, Aleksandra Modlińska, Justyna Janiszewska

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2003;2(4):235-240.

Vol 2, No 4 (2003): Polish Palliative Medicine

Artykuły poglądowe

Published online: 2003-09-30

Abstract

Both analgia and proper cognitive functioning are mandatory for social wellbeing of cancer patients and for continuing their normal everyday activities. Good cognitive functioning is a potent factor influencing the general quality of life. As the use of opioids in the treatment of pain is becoming more and more comon in cancer as well as in non-cancer conditions, there is a need for extensive research on the influence of opioids on cognitive functions. To date, despite the lack of evidence for negative effects of morphine on the intellectual and psychomotor performance, its use precludes that the patients take legal acts, operate machines and drive a car. Another important reason is that these limitations affect the continuously growing number of patients taking morphine for chronic pain.