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Using Opioids as Medicine for Chronic Pain

Opioids (narcotics) are commonly found medicines to relieve pain. They can be really helpful if you are suffering from a short-term pain such as the pain you experience post-surgery for a broken bone. They also have the ability to ease off the excruciating pain one has to go through if they are suffering from cancer.

Always keep in mind that unlike other medicines, opioids are strong drugs and are not recommended when treating long-term pains like frequent headaches, arthritis or lower back pain. Such long-term pains are known as “chronic” pain. If you are planning to take opioids to relieve long-term pain then you must consult with your doctor for his suggestions and also ask him whether there are other ways to treat the particular long-term pain. Let us check out why:

Opioids are prescribed too often
People generally visit doctors due to the chronic pain they suffer from and most of the time they have prescribed opioids as chronic pain medicine. In the past few years, the country has seen a tremendous increase in the opioid prescription for chronic pain which can have severe side effects.

Opioids commonly include:

Hydrocodone (generic and Vicodin)
Oxycodone (generic, OxyContin and Percocet)

Since opioids are not chronic pain medicines, they work well to treat short-term pains but whether they will work equally well in treating long-term pain is uncertain.

Side effects and risks associated with opioids
One of the most common issues related to opioids is that over the time the body gets addicted to this drug, as a result, the drug fails to function properly. Moreover, to get rid of the same, the body demands us to take more and more. Also, an increase in the dosage of such a strong drug may lead to some deadly side effects such as:

Constipation
Vomiting
Nausea
Itching
Unable to pass enough urine
Some serious breathing issues
Mental instability and confusion

As we know our body gets used to opioids so we must discontinue its usage in the long run. Also, long-term opioid therapy to treat chronic pain is rather a controversial theory. Around one in every four-person has been victimized by the addiction to this drug. The worst part is that an overdose of the painkiller has the power to even take your life. Yes, you read it correctly; an overdose of it can even kill you. According to research, every day around 46 people die due to an unintentional overdose of this drug.

It can be quite expensive
Some opioids like oxycodone can be highly expensive. Buying these may dig a big hole in your pockets. The cost of oxycodone can go up over $1,000 per month. If you are not rich enough and don’t think you can afford opioids then it would be wise to depend upon a good insurance plan that will cover the cost of the drugs. Even if you notice adverse effects of opioids on your body, you might still have to spend a lot.

Other treatments for pain that work better and have fewer side effects
According to a pain medicine specialist, one should always try other treatment to relieve their pain first over painkillers. Other treatments such as:

Steroids
Other harmless medicines
Non-drug treatments such as physical therapy, massage therapy, exercise, spinal manipulation, acupuncture
Other drugs prescribed by the doctors (watch out for the risks and side effects) such as NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and anti-seizure drugs

When do you need to take it?
If you are battling cancer with excruciating pain: it is right to take opioids when you suffer from severe pain and also if the pain is your cause for concern rather than the possibility of addiction.

If you are suffering from chronic pain that is caused by some reason other than cancer: it is recommended to take chronic pain medicine only if the pain is severe. Even then you must visit your doctor often to get a regular checkup done.

If you need a quick relief from severe pain and other pain treatments are not working properly: even though opioids are not chronic pain medicines but you may still give them a second thought only if all the other treatments for long-term pain have failed to work.

What if it is prescribed by your doctor?
If opioids are prescribed by your doctor then discuss with him about the possible side effects of these painkillers and the risks associated with it. Ask your doctor to guide and educate you about the right dosage of it. While on medication observe your body for the signs of addiction or any kind of side effects. Possible side effects of opioids may include cravings, risk-taking, unusual moodiness etc.

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