How does oxycodone compare with placebo in adults with neuropathic pain?

Abstract

Adults with neuropathic pain (associated with post‐herpetic neuralgia or diabetic neuropathy) might experience moderate pain relief with modified‐release oxycodone (on average, 514 vs 309 per 1000 people), along with an increased risk of adverse events (on average, 131 vs 55 per 1000 people), compared with people given placebo. However, as only very low‐quality evidence is available, results are uncertain.Of note, quality of life and long‐term effects of oxycodone were not assessed, although these are of great importance given that oxycodone can have detrimental psychological and physiological impact, including dependency. Physicians prescribing oxycodone should be aware of possible interactions with neuroleptics, tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).