A CONSUMER GUIDE TO OPTIONS FOR MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN pg 2 of 3...
JUDGING THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF MEDICATIONS
Where can I go to learn more about the medications I’m taking?
The American Chronic Pain Association offers a guide to medications currently used for pain treatment, including prescription and OTC drugs. It’s also available in Spanish. To download it, visit: www.theacpa.org/pf_03_01.asp.
Medications for specific conditions are described on the National Pain Foundation site at
www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/default.asp.
The American Pain Foundation offers a Pain Information Library at www.painfoundation.org/page.asp?menu=1&item=2&file=Library/Index.htm; click on Medications.
What are the risks posed by NSAIDS and Cox 2 inhibitors?
Research has indicated a greater risk of cardiovascular (heart) problems with these drugs, along with possible gastro-intestinal (stomach and intestine) side effects. While problems do not arise with everyone taking these medications, the FDA has determined that they should be used with care and that stronger warnings should be placed on their labels.
You can learn more about the issues related to COX-2 inhibitors and other NSAIDs at the Food and Drug Administration’s web site at www.fda.gov.
What should I ask my doctor about the medications I’m taking?
Doctor visits can seem rushed and it’s hard to remember all your questions when you are under stress. Good communication is at the heart of sound medical care and it’s up to you as the consumer to set a tone for open discussion of your issues. Make a list of your questions before you leave for your appointment. If your doctor does not have the time to talk with you, ask to see someone else in the practice who can answer your questions. Many health care providers have patient education specialists, physician assistants, and well-informed nurses who are trained to help.
For more information about preparing for your doctor appointment and tools to create an inventory of your treatments, medications, and other health related issues, visit these pages:
Will my doctor and/or pharmacist tell me about any side effects?
Most physicians and pharmacists will offer to discuss your medications with you. But to be sure that you know as much as you can about any medication you are taking, you should ask. Medical professionals respect your need to be an informed consumer. Don’t be shy when it comes to your health.
In addition, all prescriptions have package inserts that describe the warning signs of possible side effects. Your pharmacist will review this with you if you ask. You also can visit the National Library of Medicine’s site at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html .
Is dependency on a medication the same as addiction?
No. Dependency occurs when your body becomes accustomed to a medication and reacts negatively to its absence or a reduction in dosage. For example, a diabetic will react negatively to stopping insulin or an individual with depression to not taking an antidepressant, but these individuals are not considered addicted to their medications.
Addiction is a neurobiologic disease characterized by behaviors that include a lack of control over use of the drug, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.
What is tolerance?
Tolerance is a state of adaptation in which the use of a drug brings about changes in the body that result in a lessening of one or more of the drug's effects over time. That’s why it’s important to review your medications with your doctor on a regular basis.
For more information about dependency, addiction, and tolerance, visit these web sources:
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONDITION
How can I find out more about my condition and treatment options?
The National Pain Foundation web site has information about eight common pain conditions. You can find information about arthritis, back and neck pain, cancer pain, complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, pelvic pain, and issues related to chronic pain and your mental health at www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyPain .
In addition, the American Chronic Pain Association has links to many condition-related web sites. Link to the list at www.theacpa.org/pf_03_03.asp or go to www.theacpa.org , click on People With Pain and Their Families, then Resources, and find Health Conditions under the Links of Interest menu.
The American Pain Foundation also offers links to topic-related web sites at
www.painfoundation.org/page.asp?menu=1&item=6&file=Links/Index.htm
Finally, you can find condition-specific information at many web sites, including:
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