What To Ask Your Doctor About Opioids
Pharmaceutical commercials tell you to “ask your doctor” if the drug they’re advertising is “right for you.” But when it comes to opioids, it’s important to ask instead why they may be wrong for you.
Because it’s easy for anyone to become dependent on opioids – far faster than you might think – it’s crucial that you and your doctor talk about the pros and cons of the specific drug you are considering. A thorough discussion should take into account potential side effects, risks, your personal history, alternative pain management options available, ways to avoid addiction and more.
Talking openly with your health care provider will help to make sure you are getting care that is effective and right for you.
To make this conversation easier, here’s a list of questions covering many important aspects of prescription opioid use. Simply pull up this list on your phone during your medical appointment, or download a printable version to take with you.