Abstract

A CASE REPORT ON OPIOID INDUCED DELIRIUM

Santhoshini Dhevi Kathirvel*, Infant Smily Alphonse, Priya Biji and Sheik Haja Sherief

Abstract

Opioids have been associated with the development of delirium in the cancer patients. Demulcent of pain with Morphine in cancer patients can be complicated by adverse effects. Forbearance of these effects such as nausea and drowsiness occurs within a few days of morphine therapy. Still, some patients may develop intolerable adverse effects of morphine when the dose is increased. Strategies to diminish adverse effects of opioids includes dose reduction, symptomatic management, switching opioid and altering the route of administration. A case of opioid induced delirium in a cancer patient who was on a Morphine is discussed. A switch- over to Oxycodone resolved his delirium and gave him a new life. This case report is discussed with an evidence for opioid – switching and the intolerable effects of opioid.

Keywords: Opioid; Palliative Care; Delirium.