Pain management in the elderly: Use of psychopharmacologic agents

Chronic pain disorders are common among the elderly. These disorders can result in significant physical disability, social isolation, and emotional sequelae. Although traditional approaches to pain management (eg, anti-inflammatory agents and opiate analgesics) have been widely advocated for use in a number of chronic pain conditions, the elderly are often undertreated for pain. This situation is in part attributable to fears related to risks associated with the use of conventional analgesics. This article reports on emerging evidence focusing on the utility of a number of psychopharmacologic agents available for use in chronic pain disorders. These agents can mitigate pain and comorbid emotional difficulties that can accompany or exacerbate the pain experience. Further research will be needed to assess the efficacy and safety of these agents among the elderly.