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Safe Use of Opioids
Safe Use of OpioidsI was very worried about being addicted to the narcotic pain medication.With two surgeries back-to-back, first for a knee and then for an elbow, David Toy knows about intense pain.His doctor prescribed opioids to help with that.Having the pain medication helped to kind of offset some of that, some of that really high pain that I washaving. But then after the few days I just wanted not to have that effect that I was feeling very loopy andfeeling somewhat out of it with the narcotic pain medication.Considering the potentially addictive nature of narcotic pain medications or opioids, it’s not unusual forpatients to be concerned about taking them. But medical experts say they can be used safely, if they areprescribed in small doses for short periods of time.If you use narcotics how they’re intended to be used in the short term, again, for that post-operative pain, it’svery rare that you will develop addiction.Many patients have fear of opioids because ‘oh my goodness, if you give me these, I’ll get hooked.’ And if youdon’t have addiction, a several days supply of opioids in a dental or surgical situation or after an emergencyroom visit is perfectly fine. Nobody’s going to get addicted.There are some possible side effects from taking opioids. These include extreme tiredness or low bloodpressure, trouble breathing, nausea, confusion, itching or hives, constipation. The risk of addiction is very lowwhen opioids are given for a short time to relieve acute pain. Still, experts warn they are a very potentmedication that can be abused. So, it’s important to make sure you store them and dispose of any unused pillssafely.Don't keep extras around the house; if they have to be in the house keep them locked up. And when you'redone, take them to the med drop. Dispose of them safely because extra opioid supplies in the home are avehicle not only for addiction but for overdose deaths in kids and people of all ages.To find a safe place to get rid of opioids you no longer need, check the internet for medication disposal sites inyour area. The reason opioids are often prescribed is fairly simple. By reducing pain from an injury or surgery,a patient can more quickly get back to their usual activities.It’s just if it’s not monitored properly that’s when it becomes a problem. That’s why I think it’s important to askquestions with your doctor…what is my risk factor? Why am I being given this? Are there other alternatives?Regular follow-ups with your doctor will also help ensure that you are not becoming too reliant on the opioids.Your doctor should monitor your pain level which should improve as you heal, allowing the doctor to loweryour dose or even switch you to some non-opioid alternative.Page 1 ofEspecially with narcotic medication they would check up and make sure I wasn’t, you know, abusing it, that Iwas taking it for pain. But at the same time, even with reassurance from the doctors for me, I was veryconcerned. Very concerned to the point where I know I would voice that with my doctor and the doctor listenedvery intently with what my concerns were and understood.If you or your doctor are concerned about your use of opioids for pain management, there are other optionsthat may work even better for you with fewer risks or side effects. These could include: Acetaminophen (suchas Tylenol), aspirin or ibuprofen (like Advil), Behavioral therapy to learn how to respond to pain triggers,Exercise and weight loss, Medications if you are depressed by the pain, Acupuncture, or Massage.The bottom line is as a patient, you owe it to yourself to get the safest, most effective pain relief possible.Opioids, when taken as prescribed and monitored by your doctor can be a safe part of your pain managementplan.Page 2 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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