Pain Medications: Get The Most Out Of Them!

1. How Should You Use Your Pain Medications Effectively?

• You should always be given directions on how to use your medication effectively. Some medications are used on a regular schedule while others are used only if you experience a sudden pain problem or are about to engage in an activity that typically causes you pain.
• Your medication schedule will depend on which medicines you are taking & how long they last. The length of time they last is different from person to person, so make sure that you keep track of this.
  
• A great way to track your pain medications & your pain Here is one example: Percocet® lasts from four to six hours, MS Contin® lasts 8-12 hours, & the Fentanyl® patch lasts up to 72 hours.
• Your doctor should instruct you as to the when you should take your medications.

2. When Are Long Acting Medicines Used?

• They are used when pain continues at a fairly constant level over time.
  Example: MS Contin, Oxycontin, Kadian, Duragesic
• They should be used on a regular schedule (around-the-clock) as
  medication given on a regular schedule provides a continuous level of pain treatment throughout the whole day.

3. What Are Breakthrough or Short-Acting Medications?

• You might find that your pain level increases at times. Short-acting pain medications
  are used for this type of pain and are sometimes called breakthrough or rescue medicines
  (Percocet®, oxycodone, Ultram®).
• Designed to last two to six hours.
• Often used in combination with long-acting medications.
  Example: You can take long-acting medicine like OxyContin® at the same time as a short-acting medicine, like oxycodone, because they work at different speeds.
• They are sometimes used alone for pain that occurs from time to time.

4. Tips For Using Breakthrough/Short-Acting Medicines?

• Tell your health care provider how often you need to use the breakthrough medications in order to stay comfortable.
• If you need to use many doses of breakthrough medicine throughout the day, long-acting medication can be started or increased to control pain better.
• Take breakthrough medicine before the pain reaches a discomforting level. Usually you will need less medication to control your pain over the course of the day if you treat your pain as soon as it starts.
• Anticipate potentially painful events and take breakthrough medication about 30 to 40 minutes before the event occurs.