Cannabinoids and Orofacial Pain Management: A Review

Initial management of orofacial pain should be conservative and reversible approach, including pharmacological therapy [5].Commonly used prescriptions are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, opioids, and selective serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI; Duloxetine).Although current treatment options have been cleared, they are not optimal for every patient because seriously unwanted side-effects may occur for a long-term planned prescription.For example, long-term use of NSAIDs for mild-moderate pain increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal and cardiovascular events.Acetaminophen may cause hepatotoxicity when overdosed.Opioids, usually prescribed for moderate to severe pain, may cause nausea, constipation, and hazardous cardiorespiratory depression in vulnerable populations.For example, duloxetine, which is effective for neuropathic pain, may cause nausea, constipation, dizziness, headaches, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations [6].The development of new efficacious analgesic medications with minimal side effects is needed for chronic orofacial pain management.