OPIOID ANALGESIA GUIDELINES
Opioids must be taken as prescribed and must not be taken at a rate greater than prescribed. Do not take “extra” doses in excess of those prescribed.
Opioids are tightly regulated by the government and must be kept in a secure area to assure they are not lost, stolen or destroyed. You are responsible for the accounting of all medications. We strongly recommend that you lock your medications to avoid divergent use by others or accidental use by children or pets.
Obtaining prescriptions for additional opioids from other physicians without prior notification with our office, or the use of illicit drugs is not allowed and may prompt further investigation, a referral to a psychologist, substance abuse counseling and/or discharge from the Pain Prevention and Rehabilitation Center.
If for any reason your condition changes and you require medication adjustment, please notify the Pain Prevention and Rehabilitation Center as soon as possible.
Refills will require written prescription. This means that some refills cannot be called or faxed to a pharmacy. Opioid medications can not be called or faxed to your pharmacy. It is your responsibility to request a refill and know your medications. Refills are only provided during business hours.
TOLERANCE / ADDICTION
You can become addicted to opioids within 2-3 days of opioid use. Everyone who takes opioids for a period of time may become tolerant, which means that it takes more medication to treat the same amount of pain. If you should suddenly stop an Opioid, you may begin to have withdrawal symptoms such as trembling, shivering, increased sweating, nervousness, irritability, nausea, diarrhea, body aches runny nose and fever.
SIDE EFFECTS
Opioids medication may cause a variety of side effects, including but not limited to nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, fluid retention, weight gain or loss, suppression of the immune system, suppression of thyroid function, suppression of the menstrual cycle, suppression of male hormone, itching and allergic reaction. If taken improperly, you may experience excess sedation, respiratory depression and death. If you should develop any of these problems or side effects, please call us immediately so that we may recommend appropriate actions. If the side effects are severe, please go to the nearest emergency room.
PRECAUTIONS
- Note that taking the medication with food or milk may minimize the potential for stomach upset.
- Never combine alcohol or other sedating medications (antihistamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants to name a few) with opioids. Please ask us if you have questions.
- Never use marijuana products with opioid medications.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle when the ability to drive is impaired by such medications.
- Do not take more of this medication and do not take it more frequently than prescribed. If the dose seems inadequate, notify the doctor. Do not adjust the dose on your own.
- Please let us know if you are taking other prescriptions or non-prescription medications.
- Keep this and all medications out of reach of children and pets. Keep your medications in a locked storage unit.
- Do not share this or any medication. It is safest to dispose of the medication by flushing down the drain.
- Prescriptions written by Dr. Suthar should only be written by him or by only one doctor and given to only one pharmacy.
STOPPING MEDICATIONS
- Do not suddenly stop taking the medication. Opioids must be stopped gradually. Call us for instructions.
- Opioids are only a part of what can be used to manage pain. Psychological coping and functional enhancement are also important. Your treatment plan may require outside health care assistance.
Failure to comply with the specific treatment plans may lead to cessation of the use of opiods and/or dismissal as a patient.
Contact Us
13710 Olive Boulevard (Primary Office)
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Telephone: 314-469-PAIN (7246)
Fax: 314-469-7251
Exchange: 314-441-6965 (for after-hour Emergencies Only)
Hours:
Monday thru Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM