Pain Control
I don't like to take too many pain
medications so is it ok if I take only half of what the doctor
prescribes?
Pain medication for chronic pain needs to be taken regularly for it to
work properly. This means taking it on time every time. It also means
taking the right doses. When a doctor prescribes a range, from one dose
to another, you may take the lowest dose in the range that you feel
helps you. However, if it isn't relieving the pain completely, then the
lowest dose is not helping you - the objective is to try and eliminate
the pain if possible.
If you think your medication is too strong or too much, even at the
lowest dose, it would be best to speak with your doctor before cutting
any doses or the frequency.
I don't want to become addicted to my pain
pills. How can I keep that from happening?
Studies have shown that if you need the pain medication, the chances of
addiction are very low. You can develop a tolerance to a medication,
but this is different from addiction. A tolerance happens when you body
become used to a certain dosage and you need to increase the dosage
(with your doctor's ok) for the medication to be effective again. The
signs of tolerance are decreased effectiveness of the pain medication
and/or shorter duration of pain relief.
Addiction, on the other hand, is not physical. It is a craving for a
medication that you will do anything to get. It's a need that must be
met. If you fear you are becoming addicted, speak with your doctor
about options.
What is an NSAID and why is it popular to
give for pain?
NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are medications like
ibuprofen, Aspirin, and acetamenophen. These drugs work directly on the
area that is painful by reducing the swelling. These are available over
the counter, but there are also NSAIDs that are available by
prescription.
NSAIDs are often the first choice analgesic (pain reliever) before
doctors try stronger medications.
Some medications, such as some NSAIDs, can be hard on the stomach; this
is one of the side effects. To prevent stomach irritation and/or
nausea, medications with this side effect are usually taken with food
to buffer the stomach.
If
you have any further questions about pain control or any other subject
matter, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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