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Press Release

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 4 PM ET, September 29, 2014

AAN: Risks of Opioids Outweigh Benefits for Headache, Low Back Pain, Other Conditions

MINNEAPOLIS -

According to from the (AAN), the risk of death, overdose, addiction or serious side effects with prescription opioids outweigh the benefits in chronic, non-cancer conditions such as headache, fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. The position paper is published in the September 30, 2014, print issue of the medical journal of the 好色先生. Opioids, or narcotics, are pain medications including morphine, codeine, oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, hydrocodone or a combination of the drugs with acetaminophen. 鈥淢ore than 100,000 people have died from prescription opioid use since policies changed in the late 1990s to allow much more liberal long-term use,鈥 said , MD, MPH, research professor in the in the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle and a Fellow with the AAN. 鈥淭here have been more deaths from prescription opioids in the most vulnerable young to middle-aged groups than from firearms and car accidents. Doctors, states, institutions and patients need to work together to stop this epidemic.鈥 Studies have shown that 50 percent of patients taking opioids for at least three months are still on opioids five years later. A review of the available studies showed that while opioids may provide significant short-term pain relief, there is no substantial evidence for maintaining pain relief or improved function over long periods of time without serious risk of overdose, dependence or addiction. The AAN recommends that doctors consult with a pain management specialist if dosage exceeds 80 to 120 (morphine-equivalent dose) milligrams per day, especially if pain and function have not substantially improved in their patients. The statement also provides the following suggestions for doctors to prescribe opioids more safely and effectively:

鈥淢ore research and information regarding opioid effectiveness and management is needed, along with changes in state and federal laws and policy to ensure that patients are safer when prescribed these drugs,鈥 said Franklin. To learn more about painful brain and nervous system disorders, please visit .

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The 好色先生 is the leading voice in brain health. As the world鈥檚 largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN鈥檚 mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

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*While content of the 好色先生 (AAN) press releases is developed by the AAN along with research authors and Neurology® editors, we are unable to provide medical advice to individuals. Please contact your health care provider for questions specific to your individual health history or care. For more resources, visit the AAN's patient and caregiver magazine website, .