What you need to know about Opioids for pains
You may receive around-the-clock doses to manage pain throughout the day and night. And your doctor may prescribe opioids to be taken "as needed" in case you have "breakthrough" pain -- a flare of pain that you get despite round-the-clock doses. While you're on opioid pain medications, check in with your doctor regularly. Your doctor will need to know: How your pain is responding to the drug Whether you're having any side effects Whether you have any potential interactions or medical conditions that could make you more likely to have side effects, such as sleep apnea, alcohol use, or kidney problems Whether you're taking the drug properly Never change or stop taking any opioid medicine without first checking with your doctor. If a pain medication isn't working as well as it should, your doctor may switch you to a different dose -- or add on or try another drug. When you're ready to stop taking opioids, your doctor may wean you off them slowly -...