Polypharmacy involving central nervous system (CNS)-active medications is common in patients with chronic pain and may contribute to adverse effects, functional decline, and prescribing cascades. Rehabilitation-based deprescribing addresses pain through non-pharmacological strategies. Herein, we report a case with chronic musculoskeletal pain who was receiving multiple CNS-active medications, including opioids, antidepressants, and antiepileptics. A comprehensive rehabilitation program was performed, and gradual tapering and discontinuation of selected medications were implemented. The patient demonstrated improvements in pain severity and functional performance without withdrawal complications. This case highlights the clinical value of rehabilitation-based deprescribing in chronic pain management.
Bakir et al. (Tue,) studied this question.