Analgesia

Meer over het boek

Analgesics are among the oldest drugs known, initially used for their euphoric effects by the Sumerians in the third millennium B.C. and later with willow bark (salicin) for fever in the eighteenth century. While these substances remain in use, they are now accompanied by a diverse range of medications, including antidepressants and ion channel blockers. Many of these drugs are available over the counter, leading to widespread self-medication and misuse, which contributes to various health issues due to adverse side effects. This volume summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms behind the effects of analgesics, their side effect profiles, and their clinical indications and contraindications. It explores ongoing research into novel mechanisms of pain generation and the development of new compounds, driven by advancements in molecular methods and the use of animal models of pathological pain. The introductory chapter addresses these critical issues, while subsequent chapters highlight that pain is influenced not only by biological factors but also by social context, memory, and psychological phenomena. Ultimately, the book emphasizes the contemporary goal of adopting mechanism-based approaches to pain treatment rather than relying solely on empirical methods.