Are Opioid Painkillers Safe To Relieve Chronic Pain?

 

Pain is almost inevitably part of the picture if you've just had surgery or have a health problem. Pain relievers can make you function better and help you cope with the severe pain you experience, but they will not eliminate it.

What are opioids exactly?

Opioids are prescription medications with analgesic properties that provide a euphoric effect. They act on neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for pain control. The opioid family is significant; for example, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl and codeine are found.

Opioids are commonly used pain relievers. They can be helpful if the pain is severe but short-lived - for example, after surgery to repair a broken bone. And they can also help you manage pain if you have a disease like cancer.

But be aware that opioids are strong medications usually not suitable for the long-term relief of persistent pain, such as rheumatic pain, low back pain, or frequent headaches. These pains are "chronic", and before taking any opioids to relieve them, discuss the other options with your healthcare professional and here's why:

Opioids are prescribed too often

Chronic pain is one of the leading causes people give for seeing their healthcare professional. Yet, for most varieties of chronic pain, opioids should only be utilised as a last alternative.

Commonly used opioids include:

• Hydromorphone
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Oxycodone
• Tramadol

Brief use of these drugs may provide relief. But there is no manifestation that they will act correctly over time.

Treatment of choice for many patients

Opioids are an effective Chronic Pain Treatment Lyons for reducing pain in patients caused by cancer, surgery, an accident, or a significant injury. In patients with chronic non-cancer pain, such as back pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis, opioids are a second-line choice. There are other types of treatments to explore before resorting to them. At all times, taking opioids for chronic pain should be part of a comprehensive pain management strategy and be combined with complementary treatments, such as physiotherapy and interdisciplinary care.

Used appropriately at dosage, opioids present a limited risk of dependence and overdose. Vigilance remains, however, as much for patients as for doctors. Several risk factors must be weighed, such as alcohol consumption during treatment which increases these risks or the combination with other drugs that may interact negatively. To bypass any intricacies, it is best to discuss the matter openly with healthcare professionals and notify your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any change in your mental or physical health while taking opioids.

Opioids come with serious side effects and risks

Over time, the body gets used to opioids, and their effect gradually wanes. To get the same relief, you have to take more and more. It is the effect exhaustion phenomenon that some call "tolerance". Nevertheless, more heightened doses can provoke serious side effects:

•  Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Constipation
•  Inability to urinate (to empty the bladder)
• Slowing of breathing, which can have fatal consequences
• Confusion and mental disorders

Opioids can be addictive. Their long-term use can cause "physical dependence" - if you suddenly stop using them, you will experience withdrawal symptoms, for example, intense craving, sweating, muscle pain and insomnia. Individuals who take opioids for a prolonged period can become addicted, which can be hazardous.

Other pain treatments may work more effectively and carry less risk.

According to pain specialists, in principle, you should try other treatments first:

·         Over-the-counter medications:

Ø  Acetaminophen
Ø  Ibuprofen
Ø Naproxen

·         Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:

ØThermogenic cream

·         Non-drug treatments:

Ø  Exercise

Ø  Physiotherapy

Ø  Spinal manipulation

Ø  Massage therapy

Ø  Acupuncture

Ø  Cognitive-behavioural therapy

·         Injections

·         Other prescription drugs:

Ø  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Ø  Anticonvulsants

Ø  Gabapentinoids

Ø  Antidepressants

Ø  Cannabinoids

When might prescribing opioids be appropriate?

You have severe cancer pain:

Opioids may be the right choice if the inconvenience of the pain outweighs any inconvenience associated with addiction or the need to increase the dose.

You have just had surgery:

You may be prescribed opioids if needed, but you should not use them beyond the immediate postoperative period. This period is usually three days or less and rarely exceeds seven days.

You have chronic pain:

Talk to your healthcare professional about the different options available to you for relief, including non-opioid and non-pharmacological modalities, before considering prescribing opioids. And learn about the risks and rewards of the other options.

What should you do if your healthcare professional prescribes opioids for you?

Discuss side effects and possible risks with your healthcare professional providing Chronic Pain Treatment Lyons. Watch for side effects and signs of addiction, including mood swings, temper tantrums, cravings, and reckless behaviour.