dextromethorphan for pain

April 1998

Some physicians are prescribing dextromethorphan for pain...to enhance the analgesic effect of opioids such as morphine.

We usually think of dextromethorphan (DM) as a coughsuppressant...but it's chemically similar to opioids. It's thedextro isomer of the codeine analog, levorphanol.

Dextromethorphan reduces sensitivity to pain by blocking NMDA(N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Thishelps increase and prolong the analgesic effect of opioids.

Get concise, unbiased advice for effective drug therapy, plus CE/CME

Prescriber Insights: APRN includes:

  • Cutting-edge advice about new medications and how they fit into practice
  • Unbiased, evidence-based, 100% free of financial support from the pharma industry written by your peers
  • Side-by-side comparisons of drugs by class or disease state, plus FAQs, pros/cons, and simple recommendations

Already a subscriber? Log in

Volume pricing available. Get a quote