Responsible use of opioids
- Don't take more medicine than the prescribed one, don't take it more frequently than instructed.
- Disclose all information about all the medicine you take or may take. Side effects can be worse under the influence of additional medicine.
- Don't drink alcohol while taking opioid pain medicine.
- Be aware of the partial fill. If you feel unease having opioids at home, you can ask for only a part of the prescription at your pharmacists and then ask for the other part if you need it.
- Your opioid medicine may contain acetaminophen. Don't take more medicine containing acetaminophen, as it may lead to liver damage.
- When you don’t need this medicine anymore, safely dispose of anything that is left over. Ask your doctor for a drop box location.
- As your pain eases, wait longer between each pill.
Source : www.cdc.gov.in
Common side effects
- Feeling sleepy or dizzy.
- Itching, talk to your doctor if this happens to you.
- Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, and talk to your doctor in case you consider there is need for a stool softener.
- Nausea/Vomiting.
- Low Energy / Sex Drive
Source : National Institute on Drug Abuse via USA Today
Opioid Addiction
You are at a higher
risk of developing dependence if you:
- If you have experienced depression or anxiety.
- If you have abused of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs (prescription or street drugs).
- Have a history of chronic pain.
- If you take opioids for longer than 1 week.
- Take more pills, more often, than your doctor prescribed.
Anyone can overdose. Please call 911 in case of emergencies.