Getting Educated on Painkillers

The following story of one man from Omaha, Neb. is a common one. Frequent kidney stones and long term joint pain led to his doctor prescribing two painkillers, Vicodin and Lortab. While they were effective at managing his pain level, they also became habit-forming. As his tolerance grew, the doctor prescribed two other drugs, Fentanyl and morphine. These drugs led to respiratory suppression, to the point where he would periodically stop breathing. He was also prescribed Valium to control anxiety. The doctor prescribing all these drugs in combination eventually lost his license to practice medicine, and the patient is in a 12-step program, exploring other methods of pain management, and no longer taking any opiates, but the story is too commonplace to ignore.

Poison control has become of aware of situations just like this man's story, and are attempting to prevent deaths and overdoses, as well as over prescribing these kinds of medications. To this end, eight officials from regional Nebraska poison control centers met in Omaha to discuss methods for communicating the potency of painkillers and educating the public on the dangers of misuse and abuse. In 10 years, between 1993 and 2003, deaths related to unintentional overdoses rose 107 percent, according to the National Safety Council.

Opiate prescription painkillers have proven to offer patients significant relief, which why oxycodone, hydrocone and others have become more commonly prescribed. But the downside is the risk of human error. Patients can easily take the wrong dosage, or doctors can accidentally prescribe a drug that ends up being too strong for the particular patient. Plus, accidental combinations such as painkillers with antidepressants compound the effects of these drugs. These situations increase the risk of potential overdose and death.

The best solution is education. Patients should inform doctors and pharmacists of all of their medications, including supplements and the over-the-counter medications, to avoid problematic drug combinations. Doctors and pharmacists should make patients aware of medication risks, and should be aware of the drug combinations that can cause serious complications. If everyone is aware and acts responsibly, these drugs can be taken safely and effectively.

Tim Moore
mooreorlesstim3@yahoo.com
http://www.disabilityaudio.com