Current Practice Update: Opioids, Cannabinoids and Gabapentenoids for Managing Pain

Course overview

At the conclusion of this program, the participant will be able to: 1. Discuss the burden of opioid misuse and abuse on the individual and society. 2. Describe the fundamental concepts of pain management, including: a) addiction; b) tolerance; c) dependency; d) hyperalgesia; e) allodynia. 3. State key principles for assessing patients in pain, identifying risk factors and behaviors that are associated with opioid misuse, abuse, and addiction. 4. Describe the similarities and differences in the mechanism of action for opioids, cannabinoids and gabapentenoids. 5. Compare and contrast the benefits, risks and role of opioids, cannabinoids and gabapentenoids in managing pain. 6. Describe the best practice model for properly monitoring patients who are started on opioids, gabapentenoids and cannabinoids to minimize the risks of adverse reactions, over-dosage and inappropriate compliance. 7. Compare and contrast the following product formulations of gabapentenoids with respect to their benefits and risks in managing pain: a) gabapentin (Neurontin); b) Horizant; c) Gralise; and, d) Lyrica. 8. Compare and contrast the most common cannabinoids found in marijuana with regards to their benefits and risks in managing pain and other symptoms. 9. State the risks of combining opioids with: a) benzodiazepines; b) alcohol; c) gabapentenoids; and, d) cannabinoids. 10. Describe how to counsel patients and caregivers regarding the safe use on naloxone for opioid overdose.