WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about opioids? An opioid is a type of medicine used to treat pain. Examples of opioids are oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, or codeine. Why is pain control important? Pain can cause changes in your physical and emotional health, such as depression and sleep problems. Pain control and management may help you rest, heal, and return to your daily activities. What are the types of opioids? Opioids can be given as a pill, patch, or suppository. They can also be given as an injection into a vein or the area around your spinal cord. You may need one or both of the following: - Short-acting opioids work fast and relieve pain for about 3 to 6 hours. They are often used for acute or breakthrough pain.
- Long-acting opioids usually last at least 8 hours. You can take them less often and they may be used for chronic pain.
What are the side effects of opioids? The most common side effect is constipation. Other side effects include nausea, sleepiness, and itching. You may have trouble thinking clearly and may feel clumsy. What are the risks of using opioids for pain management? Too much opioid medicine may be life-threatening. You may become dependent on the opioid. Your body may get used to the opioid and not control pain as well as it used to. You may become addicted to the opioid and use it when you do not need it. Some opioid medicines also contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Too much of these medicines can cause liver or kidney damage, or stomach bleeding. What do I need to know about opioid safety? - Take your medicine as directed. Ask if you need more information on how to take your medicine correctly. Follow up with your healthcare provider regularly. You may need to have your dose adjusted. Do not use opioid medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Give your healthcare provider a list of all your medicines. Include any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs. It can be dangerous to take opioids with other medicines.
- Keep opioid medicine in a safe place. Store your opioid medicine in a locked cabinet to keep it away from children and others.
- Do not drink alcohol while you use opioids. Alcohol combined with an opioid can make you sleepy and slow your breathing rate. You may stop breathing completely.
What else can I do to help manage my pain? - Apply heat on the area in pain for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms.
- Apply ice on the part of your body that hurts for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice decreases pain and swelling, and helps prevent tissue damage.
- Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
- Exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Regular physical activity can help decrease pain and improve your quality of life. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for your type of pain.
- Get enough sleep. Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon.
- Talk with a counselor or therapist. A type of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help your chronic pain by changing the way you think about it. CBT can also improve your mood, sleep, and ability to move.
Call 911 or have someone call 911 for any of the following: - You are breathing slower than normal, or you have trouble breathing.
- You cannot be awakened.
- You have a seizure.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your heart is beating slower than usual.
- Your heart feels like it is jumping or fluttering.
- You are so sleepy that you cannot stay awake.
- You have severe muscle pain or weakness.
- You see or hear things that are not real.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You are too dizzy to stand up.
- Your pain gets worse or you have new pain.
- You cannot do your usual activities because of side effects from the opioid.
- You are constipated or have abdominal pain.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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