NEW YORK – New federal guidelines are out for doctors who prescribe powerful prescription painkillers, aimed at curbing their abuse and addiction. Experts say there are things patients can do to guard against problems.
The advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is for primary care doctors, not for specialists treating severe pain from cancer or other diseases.
Learn about the drugs first, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. “Beginning treatment with an opioid is a momentous decision” and can carry more risks than benefits, said Dr. Tom Frieden, CDC director.
Consider other ways to manage pain. Physical therapy, psychological therapy and exercise can help in some situations.
So can other medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
If you need powerful painkillers like OxyContin or Vicodin, start with the lowest effective dose for a limited period.
Experts say risks increase with the dosage and the length of time a patient is taking the drugs.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking Valium, Xanax or other benzodiazepine sedatives for anxiety, insomnia or other conditions.
Opioids and benzodiazepines can be a particularly dangerous combination.
Agree on a timetable with your doctor for evaluating the benefits and harms of the drugs. Opioids often are needed no longer than a week for acute pain. And often they are a bad choice for chronic pain, Frieden said.
On the Net
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s patient pain management guidelines: www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/prescribing/managepain.html
