Opioids and cannabinoids have weak or inconclusive evidence in effective treatment of neuropathic pain. The well documented risks of opioid and cannabinoids include nausea, sleepiness, impairment, dependence, and development of substance use disorders. With impairment comes further risks to oneself and others in altered judgement in the workplace or while operating a vehicle. Opioids come with an additional risk of decreased respiratory drive and fatality with overdose. Neuropathic pain can be treated effectively using agents with demonstrated efficacy and significantly less risks compared to opioids and cannabinoids. For more information:
Moulin DE, et al. Pharmacological management of chronic neuropathic pain: Revised consensus statement from the Canadian Pain Society. Pain Res Manag. 2014 Nov-Dec;19(6):328-35. PMID: 25479151.
Finnerup NB, et al. Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Neurol. 2015 Feb;14(2):162-73. PMID: 25575710.