Dextropropoxyphene dependence: a cautionary note.

Drug abuse and dependence is common in patients with chronic pain. Of concern are the opioid analgesics prescribed commonly, and its availability over the counter. Often the cause of dependence is iatrogenic. We report a case of a patient with chronic back pain and dextropropoxyphene dependence. With chronic pain being a significant risk factor for drug dependence, increased caution by the prescribing physicians is advisable while treating such patients using opioid analgesics. The dangers of opioid dependence, associated risk factors, and issues regarding the prescription of such medication are discussed to aid prevention of prescription drug abuse seen in general practice.