Opioid Medications for Pain: Benefits and Risks
Opioids may be considered for some pain conditions after an individual review of benefits and risks. They can cause dependence, overdose, and slowed breathing. For subacute and chronic pain, nonopioid approaches are generally preferred. A visit can help you discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
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Responsible Opioid Therapy
Opioids do not work equally well for every kind of pain, and their long-term benefits for chronic pain are uncertain. A clinician should discuss realistic goals for pain and function, other treatments, potential interactions, and what monitoring would involve before deciding whether an opioid is appropriate.
- Your diagnosis, symptoms, and functional goals
- Nonopioid medications and physical approaches
- Side effects, interactions, and overdose risk
- Medication review and possible monitoring
- When to revisit or change the treatment plan
Questions to Discuss About Opioid Safety
Safety First
Ask how your clinician weighs expected benefit against risks, reviews other medicines, and decides whether monitoring or naloxone is appropriate. No monitoring plan eliminates risk.
Multimodal Pain Relief
For many common pain conditions, exercise, physical therapy, behavioral approaches, and nonopioid medicines may be considered. The best combination depends on your diagnosis and health history.
Risk Mitigation
Discuss sedation, breathing problems, dependence, and overdose. Tell your clinician about alcohol, sedatives, and any prior problems with pain medication. Do not stop long-term opioids abruptly without medical advice.
What to Bring to a Medication Review
Discuss Your Pain Medication Questions
Contact our office to request an evaluation and review the potential benefits and risks of your options.