Presbyterian | Fall 2018 | Your Story

www.phs.org/centennialcare 3 Patient opioid fact sheet Prescription opioids: What you need to know Prescription opioids can be used to help relieve moderate to severe pain and are often prescribed after a surgery or injury, or for certain health issues. These drugs can be an important part of treatment but also come with serious risks. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to make sure you are getting the safest, most effective care. 1 in 4 people who receive prescription opioids has long-term struggles with addiction. *Findings from one study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services If you have questions about your medications, speak with your provider. For more information on medication safety, call the New Mexico Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 . Resources for addiction and/or substance use disorders can be found at www.sharenm.org . If you or a loved one has substance use concerns, you can contact the New Mexico Crisis Line at 1-855-662-7474 ( 1-855-NMCRISIS ) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Military service personnel and their direct family members can contact the Be There Peer Support Call and Outreach Center at 1-844-357-7337 ( 1-844-357-PEER ) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. What are the risks and side effects of opioid use? Risks are greater with: Prescription opioids carry serious risks of addiction and overdose, especially with prolonged use. An opioid overdose, often marked by slowed breathing, can cause sudden death. The use of prescription opioids can have a number of side effects as well, even when taken as directed: ● ● Tolerance—meaning you might need to take more of a medication for the same pain relief ● ● Physical dependence—meaning you have symptoms of withdrawal when a medication is stopped ● ● Increased sensitivity to pain ● ● Constipation ● ● Nausea, vomiting and dry mouth ● ● Sleepiness and dizziness ● ● Confusion ● ● Depression ● ● Low levels of testosterone that can result in lower sex drive, energy, and strength ● ● Itching and sweating ● ● History of drug misuse, substance use disorder, or overdose ● ● Mental health conditions (such as depression or anxiety) ● ● Sleep apnea ● ● Older age (65 years or older) ● ● Pregnancy Avoid alcohol while taking prescription opioids. Also, unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider, medications to avoid include: ● ● Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium) ● ● Muscle relaxants (such as Soma or Flexeril) ● ● Hypnotics (such as Ambien or Lunesta) ● ● Other prescription opioids MEDICATIONQUESTIONS, SAFETY, AND RESOURCES ★