How do narcotic pain medications work?
Narcotic pain medicines work by mimicking naturally produced substances within the body known as endorphins. When we take opiates like Percocet, Vicodin, Codeine, or Darvocet, the body is not stimulated to produce its own pain control chemicals. This is the reason the continued use of narcotics creates a dependency on the medicine. The more we take - the more we tend to need even though the source of pain is diminishing. Overuse of pain medicine can be destructive and may delay your recovery.
Chronic or long term use of narcotic medications can also cause psychological depression. Pain is also worse when you are depressed. Medicines which increase depression will tend to increase pain. Many sleeping pills such as barbiturates are also medications which cause depression. The best medicines to improve sleep when on narcotic medicines are those that are not habit forming.
Narcotic pain medicines work by mimicking naturally produced substances within the body known as endorphins. When we take opiates like Percocet, Vicodin, Codeine, or Darvocet, the body is not stimulated to produce its own pain control chemicals. This is the reason the continued use of narcotics creates a dependency on the medicine. The more we take - the more we tend to need even though the source of pain is diminishing. Overuse of pain medicine can be destructive and may delay your recovery.
Chronic or long term use of narcotic medications can also cause psychological depression. Pain is also worse when you are depressed. Medicines which increase depression will tend to increase pain. Many sleeping pills such as barbiturates are also medications which cause depression. The best medicines to improve sleep when on narcotic medicines are those that are not habit forming.
What pain medications SHOULD I use?
The best medicines for the control of persistent chronic pain and even post-operative pain are known as anti-inflammatories. Also known as NSAIDS or Cox 2 inhibitors. These treat the body’s reaction to inflammation at its source rather than hide the pain the way narcotics can. Anti-inflammatories do not cloud the mind or create depression.
Therefore, arthritis and inflammatory pain are best treated by anti-inflammatories. Sometimes, acute pain is treated by narcotics such as Percocet, Vicodin, or Codeine, but these are not good medicines for the long term. Postoperative pain will be treated with a combination of narcotics and anti-inflammatories, but chronic pain will not be treated with narcotics.
The best medicines for the control of persistent chronic pain and even post-operative pain are known as anti-inflammatories. Also known as NSAIDS or Cox 2 inhibitors. These treat the body’s reaction to inflammation at its source rather than hide the pain the way narcotics can. Anti-inflammatories do not cloud the mind or create depression.
Therefore, arthritis and inflammatory pain are best treated by anti-inflammatories. Sometimes, acute pain is treated by narcotics such as Percocet, Vicodin, or Codeine, but these are not good medicines for the long term. Postoperative pain will be treated with a combination of narcotics and anti-inflammatories, but chronic pain will not be treated with narcotics.
When should I renew my pain medications?
No medication will be renewed indefinitely. The policy of our office is to make every effort to reduce and eliminate the need for narcotic medications. If you have concerns with this policy, the staff will be glad to discuss it with you. Because of these guidelines, no narcotic pain medication will be renewed on the weekend or after business hours under any circumstances.
No medication will be renewed indefinitely. The policy of our office is to make every effort to reduce and eliminate the need for narcotic medications. If you have concerns with this policy, the staff will be glad to discuss it with you. Because of these guidelines, no narcotic pain medication will be renewed on the weekend or after business hours under any circumstances.
Our Expectations of Patients Receiving Narcotic Therapy
I understand that the treatment I receive may include narcotic pain medications. I also agree to the following guidelines while receiving these drugs:
I understand that the treatment I receive may include narcotic pain medications. I also agree to the following guidelines while receiving these drugs:
- I understand that the goals of these medications are to increase my activities at home and/or work and decrease my pain within the specified treatment plan.
- I understand that narcotic pain medications are only one part of my therapy and agree to follow all parts of my treatment program (e.g., physical therapy)
- I will not obtain other narcotic pain medications from any source other than the staff at The Bone and Joint Center. If I require emergency treatment that includes narcotic pain medications, I will notify the staff of The Bone and Joint Center.
- I understand that lost medications and/or prescriptions will not be replaced.
- Any adjustments to these narcotic medications will be initiated by The Bone and Joint Center.
- Any adjustments in the dose or schedule of the medication should be made only with the approval of the prescribing physician.
- I understand that I must provide notice of at least 3 business days for refills for any narcotic medicines and that no prescriptions will be called in on weekends or after business hours under any circumstances.
- I understand that failure to follow these guidelines may require cessation of narcotic pain medications.
