How can I safely use opioids to manage my severe pain?
Your Surgeon May
Check if you are at a higher risk for opioid misuse. Here are some questions your surgeon may ask:
- Do you or a family member have a history of substance abuse or overdose?
- Are you currently taking an opioid medication?
- Do you have depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia?
Check a required database to see your previous opioid prescription use.
Review your health and other medications.
You Will:
Take the lowest dose possible, for the shortest amount of time. For surgical patients with severe pain, addiction is rare when opioids are used for 5 days or less.
Never take more medication than prescribed. Do not crush pills, which can speed the rate your body absorbs the opioid and cause an overdose.
Unless told by your provider, never take opioids with antihistamines or sleep aids, sedatives or tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxers, or another opioid. Combining these medications with opioids increases your risks of side effects.
Never mix alcohol with NSAIDs or opioids.
Call 911 for an opioid overdose. Common signs of opioid overdose are small pupils, trouble breathing, and unconsciousness. You can die from an opioid overdose.
Can I wait to fill my opioid prescription?
Yes, you can wait to see if you have severe pain before filling your opioid prescription.
Talk with your doctor about this choice:
- You may not need the medications prescribed for opioid-related side effects (anti-nausea medication and laxatives).
- Be prepared with access to a 24-hour pharmacy in case your pain becomes severe in the middle of the night.
- Know that your prescription is good up to 7 days after it is issued.
- Check if you were given a long-acting anesthetic (stops pain at the wound or surgical site). This may help control your pain for several days, and you may need fewer or no opioids.
How do I store and get rid of my leftover opioids
For the safe storage of opioids:
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Hide or lock up medication
- Keep your medication in its original container so you do not take it by mistake
- Keep track of the location and number of pills in the bottle
Dispose of your opioids as soon as they are no longer needed at a drug take-back program or safe drop site. Find a site. If there is no disposal site near you, mix unused medication with coffee grounds or kitty litter in a plastic bag, and then throw it in the trash.
Should I worry about becoming addicted to opioids?
Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted. However, addiction is rare when opioids are used for 5 days or less.
Opioids block pain and give a feeling of euphoria (feel high).
You may also develop tolerance, meaning that over time you might need higher doses to relieve your pain. This puts you at higher risk for an overdose.
You can also develop physical dependence, meaning you have withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped suddenly (this is normal).
For questions and resources to help you or a loved one cope with a substance abuse disorder, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
References
Copies of the brochure are available for medical professionals to order.
