Combination of Intrathecal Opioids with Bupivacaine Attenuates Opioid Dose Escalation in Chronic Noncancer Pain Patients

Concomitant initial coadministration of IT bupivacaine with opioids blunts the rate of IT opioid dose escalation during the first year after implant of an IDDS. More studies are necessary to thoroughly examine IT opioid dose escalation and the effects of addition of bupivacaine to IT opioids. Blunting IT opioid dose escalation may be a beneficial long-term effect of IT bupivacaine.