Know the Consequences of Using Pain Medications
Updated August 30, 2015.
Managing your pain, whether chronic or acute, is quite a challenge. Oftentimes, you will have to try a variety of treatment options before settling down with the option that is most appropriate for you.
A popular treatment, though not always an advised form of therapy, is pain medication. These medications include opioids which are not exactly “safe” for everyone. They come with potential side effects that can further disrupt your painful life even further.
The most notorious hazard of pain medication is addiction, but there is a difference between becoming tolerant or dependent on the medication in comparison to being addicted to it. Tolerance to the pain medication suggests the drug is no longer as effective on you as it used to be. Dependency on the pain medication means you need it to function normally. Addiction, on the other hand, implies using the drug due to its psychological effect and cravings. Once taking pain medication and either becoming dependent or addicted to it, weaning off of it can be challenging since you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. When getting tested for your risk of addiction, the most prevalent factors that will be taken into consideration are your personal and family history.
Another impact pain medication can have is disruption of proper breathing. Since the pain medication is used to alter perceptions of pain in the brain it can also influence the respiratory centers. This is primarily due to the drastic change in your body’s pace.
Because of this, it is essential that you don’t vault to high dosages within short periods of time. Adjusting your dose gradually will help your body adjust to its changes in a less threatening manner.
Pain medication hampers certain functions in your body, primarily your brain. Because of this, you may feel less focused and often confused. This may also coincide with feelings of drowsiness and sleepiness. That’s one of the main reasons why your dose should be adjusted gradually - to avoid depression and anxiety conveyed by changes in your mental state.
Along with your brain and respiratory system, your digestive system is also hindered by the pain medication. Because of this, constipation is one of the most popular side effects of potent painkillers. It is also a very dominant issue throughout your pain medication regimen. Because of this, experts advise patients to use laxatives in limited aggregates to ease your gastrointestinal discomfort.
Along with constipation, nausea is also a problematic effect of the medication. This is a result of your metabolic “makeover”. The change can also lead to other effects such as weight gain or loss. Overdose may be one of the most popular concerns of devouring pain medication. It is not safe to intersperse pain medication with others. For example, taking acetaminophen with oxycodone can be dangerous because the latter often already contains acetaminophen (i.e. Percocet). Overdose can also occur if your prescription is changed too rapidly and your pain medication amasses within your body. Overdose can result in very dangerous situations such as issues with breathing, changes in your heart rate, and even seizures. Thus, it is always important to be alert as to what you are putting your body. It is also necessary to have a thorough dialogue with your doctor regarding what you can or cannot do while on your medication.
While pain medication may seem like an easy getaway from your chronic pain, it is in fact burdening to figure out the most apt and safe medication regimen for you. Keep side effects at bay when starting to go on pain medication and make sure you are open with your doctor about how your pain management is working for you.
Managing your pain, whether chronic or acute, is quite a challenge. Oftentimes, you will have to try a variety of treatment options before settling down with the option that is most appropriate for you.
A popular treatment, though not always an advised form of therapy, is pain medication. These medications include opioids which are not exactly “safe” for everyone. They come with potential side effects that can further disrupt your painful life even further.
The most notorious hazard of pain medication is addiction, but there is a difference between becoming tolerant or dependent on the medication in comparison to being addicted to it. Tolerance to the pain medication suggests the drug is no longer as effective on you as it used to be. Dependency on the pain medication means you need it to function normally. Addiction, on the other hand, implies using the drug due to its psychological effect and cravings. Once taking pain medication and either becoming dependent or addicted to it, weaning off of it can be challenging since you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. When getting tested for your risk of addiction, the most prevalent factors that will be taken into consideration are your personal and family history.
Another impact pain medication can have is disruption of proper breathing. Since the pain medication is used to alter perceptions of pain in the brain it can also influence the respiratory centers. This is primarily due to the drastic change in your body’s pace.
Because of this, it is essential that you don’t vault to high dosages within short periods of time. Adjusting your dose gradually will help your body adjust to its changes in a less threatening manner.
Pain medication hampers certain functions in your body, primarily your brain. Because of this, you may feel less focused and often confused. This may also coincide with feelings of drowsiness and sleepiness. That’s one of the main reasons why your dose should be adjusted gradually - to avoid depression and anxiety conveyed by changes in your mental state.
Along with your brain and respiratory system, your digestive system is also hindered by the pain medication. Because of this, constipation is one of the most popular side effects of potent painkillers. It is also a very dominant issue throughout your pain medication regimen. Because of this, experts advise patients to use laxatives in limited aggregates to ease your gastrointestinal discomfort.
Along with constipation, nausea is also a problematic effect of the medication. This is a result of your metabolic “makeover”. The change can also lead to other effects such as weight gain or loss. Overdose may be one of the most popular concerns of devouring pain medication. It is not safe to intersperse pain medication with others. For example, taking acetaminophen with oxycodone can be dangerous because the latter often already contains acetaminophen (i.e. Percocet). Overdose can also occur if your prescription is changed too rapidly and your pain medication amasses within your body. Overdose can result in very dangerous situations such as issues with breathing, changes in your heart rate, and even seizures. Thus, it is always important to be alert as to what you are putting your body. It is also necessary to have a thorough dialogue with your doctor regarding what you can or cannot do while on your medication.
While pain medication may seem like an easy getaway from your chronic pain, it is in fact burdening to figure out the most apt and safe medication regimen for you. Keep side effects at bay when starting to go on pain medication and make sure you are open with your doctor about how your pain management is working for you.
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