The potential role of dual mechanistic opioids in combating opioid misuse

Purpose: In the last years, the consumption of opioid analgesics in western countries, particularly in USA, has dramatically increased, and this rise has been paralleled by a proportional number of opioid-related deaths. To response to this health crisis, opioid guidelines have been developed to reduce the risk of harm related to opioid prescribing. Many activities have been suggested to face opioid epidemic. Clinicians should find a proper balance that meets the patient’s need for pain relief while minimizing abuse. The aim of this review was to examine the value of so-called dual opioids in this context Recent Findings: Many activities have been suggested to face opioid epidemic. Clinicians should find a proper balance that meets the patient’s need for pain relief while minimizing abuse. Dual mechanistic opioids, including tramadol and tapentadol, could be less appealing for opioid abusers, because of the reduced mu-load. Significant differences have been observed in post-marketing surveillance between tramadol and tapentadol, in favor of the latter. Summary: Further investigations are warranted for clarifying the role of innovative molecules for preventing opioid abuse.