Important Information About the Use of Pain Medicine (The James)

Important Information About the Use of Pain Medicine (The James)

When you take opioid (narcotic) pain medicine over a period of time, you may become physically dependent or develop a tolerance to certain medicines. To lower the risk of any problems with taking opioids, your doctor will treat your pain with the lowest dose of medicine for the shortest amount of time possible.

When the cause of your pain goes away or is reduced, your doctor may change your medicines or how you take them. This will help keep the pain under control and let you do your normal activities. People in pain have the best relief when they take their medicine as ordered by the doctor.

  • A physical dependence to medicine is different from addiction. Physical dependence is when your body develops a need for the medicine. This dependence can happen with many drugs, even if taken as directed. If the medicine is suddenly stopped, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
  • Tolerance happens when your body gets used to the medicine you are taking for a health problem. To get relief from pain, you may need to take a higher dose of medicine. Your doctor may increase the dose or change the type of medicine to help manage your pain.
  • Addiction is when you are unable control your seeking or craving for something. This includes taking a medicine, even if it is harmful to you. When pain medicine is taken the right way, addiction is rare. It is important to tell your doctor if you have a history of addiction to pain medicine. There are other medicines that can be used to control pain and keep you from having a setback in your recovery.

Talk to your doctor about your pain and any problems you have with your medicine. It is important to take your pain medicine the way your doctor told you, so it gives you the best pain control.

For more information see the patient education handouts:

  • Pain Management
  • Pain Management Log for Patients and Their Families
  • Non-Drug Pain Relief: Imagery
  • Non-Drug Pain Relief: Relaxation with Breathing Exercises
  • Non-Drug Pain Relief: Relaxation with Music or Sounds
  • Non-Drug Pain Relief: Distraction with Humor

 

© January 22, 2021. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

This handout is for informational purposes only.  Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care.

For more health information, call the Patient and Family Resource Center at 614-366-0602 or visit cancer.osu.edu/PFRC