Imagine the last time you scraped your knee or had a bad toothache. It probably hurt a lot, but after a while, the pain faded.
Now, imagine if the pain didn’t go away but stayed for weeks, months, or even longer. This kind of long-lasting pain is called chronic pain, and it can be really difficult to live with.
Doctors often use strong painkillers called opioids to help people who suffer from chronic pain. These drugs can be very helpful, but they also come with risks, especially when used for a long time.
You might have heard about opioids on the news, as they can lead to addiction or other serious problems if not handled carefully.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) released new guidelines about how to use these powerful medicines more safely.
These guidelines are based on research by Dr. Friedhelm Sandbrink and his team and were published in a medical journal called the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Why Are These Guidelines Important?
The goal of the new rules is to help doctors and patients manage chronic pain without relying too much on opioids.
Over the years, doctors have learned that while opioids can be effective in reducing pain, they are not always the best or safest option, especially when the pain is not related to cancer or other serious conditions.
Dr. Sandbrink’s team created 20 specific recommendations on how to use opioids more responsibly. Here are the key points:
Opioids Should Not Be the First Option: When a person has chronic pain, especially pain that isn’t linked to cancer, opioids should not be the first treatment a doctor turns to. There are many other treatments that can be tried before prescribing these strong drugs.
Avoid Long-Term Use: If opioids are needed, they should only be used for a short period. Prolonged use of these drugs increases the risk of addiction and other negative side effects. This is particularly important for younger people or anyone who has had issues with drug misuse in the past.
Don’t Mix With Other Risky Medicines: Combining opioids with another type of drug called benzodiazepines (used to treat anxiety and sleep problems) can be very dangerous. The new rules make it clear that this combination should be avoided.
Use the Lowest Dose for the Shortest Time: If opioids are prescribed, doctors should give the smallest possible dose and only for as long as absolutely necessary. This reduces the risk of patients becoming dependent on the medication.
Frequent Check-ups: After someone starts taking opioids, they should return to their doctor within 30 days to discuss how they are doing. If they need to keep using the medicine, they should continue having regular follow-up appointments to monitor their health.
Other Treatment Options
One alternative to opioids mentioned in the guidelines is a medicine called buprenorphine. This drug is less strong than many other opioids and carries a lower risk of addiction, making it a better choice for some people.
Why All the Caution?
The main idea behind these new rules is to be extremely careful when using opioids. While they can help manage pain, they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Dr. Sandbrink and his colleagues have pointed out that, in many cases, the benefits of these drugs are small compared to the risks.
For example, people who take opioids for long periods can develop tolerance, meaning they need more of the drug to get the same effect. This can lead to dependence or addiction. There’s also the risk of overdose, which can be life-threatening.
By following the new guidelines, doctors can make sure they are helping patients without putting them in danger. Patients also benefit because they will be more informed about the risks and how to use opioids safely.
What This Means for You
If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic pain, it’s important to understand that there are many ways to manage pain.
Opioids are just one option, and they should be used cautiously. If a doctor does prescribe opioids, it’s a good idea to ask questions and make sure you fully understand how and when to take the medicine.
Chronic pain can be hard to live with, but it’s essential to find a treatment that works without causing more harm. By being informed and working closely with healthcare providers, patients can make the best choices for their health and well-being.
This new set of rules is an important step towards safer pain management. It helps doctors and patients use opioids responsibly, reducing the risk of addiction while still providing relief to those who need it.
Always remember, when it comes to your health, it’s important to stay informed and make sure you’re getting the right care.
If you care about pain, please read studies about vitamin K deficiency linked to hip fractures in old people, and these vitamins could help reduce bone fracture risk.
For more information about wellness, please see recent studies that Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people, and eating yogurt linked to lower frailty in older people.
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