Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Sep 2015
Observational StudyEfficacy and safety profile of prolonged release oxycodone in combination with naloxone (OXN PR) in Parkinson's disease patients with chronic pain.
Pain is a relevant and often underestimated non-motor symptom affecting the quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Although some pain symptoms can be effectively treated by dopaminergic medication, a correct diagnosis of the different types and distribution of pain in PD is challenging, and accordingly, its treatment remains troublesome. We evaluated the efficacy and the safety of a prolonged release oral formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride combined with naloxone hydrochloride dehydrate, in a fixed ratio of 2:1 (OXN PR). ⋯ Low-dose oral OXN PR was efficacious for the management of pain symptoms of patients with PD. More importantly, patients did not experience significant side effects, such as constipation or sedation. Our study provides evidence that opioids can be used to treat pain symptoms in PD patients.