Narcotic Medication for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain affects more than 50 million Americans, per Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Long-term pain is classified as either malignant (due to cancer) or non-malignant (most commonly lower back pain). Medical professionals are still reluctant to use narcotic medications for patients with non-malignant chronic pain.
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Narcotic Prescriptions
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Patients with younger age or history of drug abuse are at higher risk for drug abuse and dependence. Doctors are afraid of being accused of "drug dealing," which could cause them to lose their license. It can be hard to get narcotic prescriptions for chronic pain, unless it is due to cancer.
Long-Acting Narcotics
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Long-acting narcotics that provide 24-hour pain relief are most effective for chronic pain. Examples of these drugs include the fentanyl patch, methadone and extended-relief morphine.
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Short-Acting Narcotics
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Short-acting narcotics should not be used as the only narcotic for long-term chronic pain. These drugs are good for acute pain and breakthrough pain. Examples of short-acting narcotics include codeine, oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Side Effects
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Narcotics often cause constipation, and if you use narcotics on a regular basis, you should be on a stool softener or a medication to stimulate bowel movements. Don't take more pain medicine than prescribed, or you can stop breathing.
Depression
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Depression and chronic pain go together, but it is not clear which comes first. Many antidepressants relieve pain. It is a good idea to try antidepressant medication before using narcotics.
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