ABSTRACT
A growing body of literature suggests that patients receiving opioids for pain
control, somewhat paradoxically, may develop an increased sensitivity to pain as
a direct consequence of that therapy (1-5). This phenomenon has been termed
“opioid-induced hyperalgesia” (OIH). Thus, the clinical use of opioids may be a
double-edged sword, initially offering pain relief but subsequently evoking
hyperalgesia.
