Top 5 myths about pain medications

When someone is in pain, the last thing he or she should have to worry about is something that isn’t true. There are several myths associated with pain management. Here are the top 5 myths about managing pain, particularly with opioids (narcotics):

5

Myth: If I take strong pain medications like narcotics, then I am near the end.

Fact: Some types of pain can’t be managed with over-the-counter or other prescription medications. For example, medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), act directly on the area causing pain. Narcotics, on the other hand, interrupt the transmission of pain to the brain. If you’re experiencing pain and the non-narcotic medications aren’t working, then it makes sense to try something else. This does not mean that death is imminent.

4

Myth: If I wait until I really need to take the medication, this will keep me from needing to take too much.

Fact: When pain is allowed to peak, it is much more difficult for the medication to do its work. If you are given a regular schedule to take your medications, such as every 6 hours, it is important to keep that schedule. If you take your medication as needed, don’t wait until the pain is unbearable.

3

Myth: If I limit the amount of medication that I take or try not to take it, I will begin to get used to the pain and not need the medication.

Fact: Not treating your pain will not help you get used to it. In fact, the opposite can happen. The pain can make it hard for you to sleep, causing you to be fatigued, as well as developing other problems, such as depression.

2

Myth: If I take strong medications, I will get doped up and want to sleep all the time.

Fact: One side effect of medications like narcotics is drowsiness; however this is not usually a long-term effect, but one that happens as your body gets used to the medication. The right dose for the right person should not cause you to be doped up.

1

And the number 1 myth: If I take narcotics, I will become addicted.

Fact: People who need narcotics for pain relief usually do not develop an addiction to them. Sometimes, people develop a tolerance to a medication, which means that the body is getting used to the medication and may require a higher dose to work. This tolerance, however, is not the same thing as addiction.

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