Know the Facts

About Opioid Pain Medication

 

We care about your comfort and believe that patients with pain deserve safe and effective pain

management. Your provider has determined that an opioid pain medication is best for you. Opioid

pain medications are available only by prescription and are used to treat moderate to severe pain.

You should know that it is not always possible to completely relieve pain. It’s important to have a

realistic goal for pain relief depending on your condition.

 

Opioid Generic Names:

Hydrocodone + Acetaminophen; Codeine + Acetaminophen; Oxycodone + Acetaminophen;

Oxycodone; Fentanyl; Morphine; Hydromorphone; Methadone; Buprenorphine; Tramadol

 

While opioids can be effective in treating pain, there are also risks and side effects to opioid use.

It is important for you to know how to safely take these medications. You should also be aware of

other options for pain relief.

Other Things to Try for Pain Relief:

➢ Meditation / Prayer

➢ Relaxation - relaxation breath exercise

➢ Music

➢ Heat and cold compresses

➢ Aromatherapy

➢ Guided imagery

➢ Distractions—watching TV or reading

➢ Movement & exercise

What are the Risks and Side Effects of Opioid Use?

 

The use of prescription opioids can have side effects, even when taken as directed:

 

➢Breathing problems. Call your doctor right away if you have slow, shallow, or trouble breathing.

➢ Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing while sleeping). May increase while on opioids.

➢ Constipation - You should take something to make your bowels move every day.

➢ Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth

➢ Sleepiness, dizziness, lightheaded (may affect walking and working)

➢ Confusion

➢ Depression

➢ Low levels of testosterone that can result in lower sex drive, energy, and strength

➢ Itching and sweating

Be Informed on Opioid Use

While Taking Opioids:

➢ Do not break or crush your opioid medication unless advised to do so by your prescriber.

➢ DO NOT drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how opioids affect you.

➢ Do not take more than the maximum daily recommended dose of acetaminophen (<4000 mg).

➢ Avoid alcohol.

➢ If your doctor has recommended sleep apnea machine, please continue while on opioids.

➢ Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding - Opioids may harm your baby.

➢ Opioid toxicity is worse when taken with the medications below, unless specifically advised by your doctor.

o Anxiety medications (benzodiazepines - such as Xanax or Valium)

o Muscle relaxants (such as Soma or Flexeril)

o Sleeping pills (such as Ambien or Lunesta)

o Other prescription opioids (such as a pain patch)

Safely Store Your Opioids and Dispose of Any Unused Pills!

➢ Store medications in a secure place and out of reach of other (this may include visitors, children, friends, and family.)

➢ Safely dispose of unused medications: Find your community drug take-back program or your mail-back program, dispose in a sealed bag with wet cat litter or used coffee grounds, or flush them down the toilet, following guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou)

Help Prevent Misuse and Abuse

➢ Only take your medication as prescribed. If your pain is not controlled with the prescribed dose or the medication is not lasting long enough, call your doctor.

➢ Never sell or share medications. Never use another person’s opioids. This is dangerous and a crime.

➢ Presently there is an opioid epidemic and there are new laws to control opioid prescribing and to prevent misuse and abuse.

Know the Facts about Opioid Addiction

 

Tolerance, physical dependence, and increased sensitivity to pain are conditions that occur with prolonged opioid use.

 

Prescription opioids carry serious risks of addiction and overdose, especially with long term use

➢ Misuse or abuse of this drug can lead to overdose and death. An opioid overdose, often marked by slowed breathing, can cause sudden death. Call 911.

➢ Naloxone is the antidote for opioid overdose. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to obtain.

 

 

You are at higher risk of developing a dependence or an addiction to opioids if you:

➢ Have a history of depression or anxiety - Mental health conditions

➢ Have a history of using or abusing alcohol, tobacco or drugs (including prescription or street drugs).

➢ Have a history of long term (chronic) pain

➢ Take opioids for longer than a week

➢ Take more pills, more often than your doctor prescribes.