Medications for Chronic Pain
Medications for Chronic PainChronic pain, pain that lasts 3 months or longer can come from an injury or an illness, like cancer or arthritis.“I’m just getting through til tomorrow.”-John, PatientPain is part of daily life for John Zemler. Old Army injuries and a recent fall are some of the problem. But John, auniversity professor, also suffers from fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes chronic pain in his muscles and bones andoften results in sleep, memory and mood issues.“I haven't been able to do any research for quite a while because my mind is not there. I have never actuallyrecovered the intellectual level that I used to be at. I have recovered the ability to do art.”-John, PatientChronic pain sufferers and their healthcare providers work together to come up with a treatment plan. The goal is tolimit the pain, so the person can do their day-to-day activities. One part of that treatment plan might include painmedications.“The treatment that I'm on is I'm on a shot for the rheumatoid arthritis.”-Sue, PatientSue Schneeberg’s arthritis is so painful when it flares up that it’s all she can do to get out of bed. By controlling herarthritis with a shot, or injection, she seems to get some relief.“I do it once every two weeks and then I just started a new drug. Can't remember the name of it but it's a, it's alow dose chemo drug that I take once a week and then I also take folic acid, the vitamin, every day.”-Sue,PatientDepending on what’s causing your pain, the type of medication your doctor recommends can vary and, like Sue, itmay take some trial-and-error to find the best combination for you. For some, NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen oribuprofen can work, but they can cause stomach or kidney problems. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, might beeasier on your stomach, but it can cause liver problems if taken over a long period of time and at higher thanrecommended doses. Anti-depression medication can help with the mood swings from dealing with chronic pain.And then there are opioid pain relievers, such as codeine, morphine or oxycodone. Only available by prescription,they can be very effective at pain relief, but they may cause side effects and can also be addictive, so long-term usemust be carefully monitored by your doctor. John Zemler was on medically-supervised opioid therapy for his chronicpain for 10 years. It allowed him to continue working.“You're never going to be pain free. But it can move it from an abscess tooth just down to a toothache and thenyou learn how to operate with a toothache.”-John, PatientPage 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG5321698 EN MedicationsForChronicPain.pdf© The Wellness NetworkMedications for Chronic Pain“Maybe it’s reducing your pain but are you paying too big of a price for that with regard to sedation andfunctionality?”-Dr. Michael Miller, Addiction Medicine PhysicianThat’s exactly what happened with John. The benefits of the opioid pain relief no longer outweighed thedownsides.“I knew that my mind was fuddled more than it used to be. A couple months after I finally cleared off of theOxyContin, I was drawing again.”-John, PatientIf you are prescribed opioids for chronic pain management, experts advise you to lock them up, to prevent anaccidental overdose by anyone who lives with you, especially children.“Having large supplies of opioids in the home is no more, safe than having large supplies of toxic chemicalsand cleaners in the house that can be misused.”- Dr. Michael Miller, Addiction Medicine PhysicianAnd if you find you have opioids you no longer need, they need to be disposed of safely. Check the internet formedication disposal sites in your area. Whether it’s opioids or any other medication that you take to treatchronic pain, make sure you understand the risks and the benefits. Work with your medical team to find the besttreatment plan to provide you with relief so you can live life the way you want to.Page 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG5321698 EN MedicationsForChronicPain.pdf© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
