Thread by @JillPiggott

"Most patients do not 'get high' from taking #opioids, & #addiction is unlikely if your risk for addiction is low: those at greatest risk have a history of addiction w/ alcohol or other drugs." — Canadian Guideline for Safe & Effective Use of #Opioids #pain #cpp | thread

Current Canadian Guidelines for Safe and Effective Use of #Opioids for #ChronicPain | Info for Patients:

1) "#Opioids are used to improve your ability to be active and reduce pain." nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid/cgop_b_…

2) "There are side effects from #opioids, but they can be mostly controlled with increasing your dose slowly."

Most common side effects: nausea, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, itching. (Canadian Rx Opioid Guidelines).

3) "#Addiction means that a person uses the drug to 'get high' & cannot control the urge to take the drug. Most patients do not 'get high' from taking #opioids" (Canadian Rx Opioid Guidelines).

#Addiction to prescribed #opioids "is unlikely if your risk for addiction is low: those at greatest risk have a history of addiction with alcohol or other drugs."

"Your doctor will ask you questions & discuss any concerns with you about your possibility of developing addiction."

4) "#Opioids can help but they do have risks — these can be managed by working cooperatively with your doctor."

Take meds as prescribed. Don't drive when increasing or if you feel sleepy. Don't obtain this med from another doc unless both are aware you have 2 scripts. ...

"Don’t take #opioids from someone else or share your medication with others. You may be asked for a urine sample — this will help to show all the drugs you are taking and ensure a combination is not placing you at risk" (Canadian Rx Opioid Guidelines).

5) If you stop taking an #opioid medicine abruptly, "you will experience a withdrawal reaction. Withdrawal symptoms do not mean you are addicted — just that you stopped the drug too quickly" (Canadian Rx Opioid Guidelines).

6) "Overdose from [prescribed] #opioids is uncommon, but you and your family should be aware of the signs.

Opioids are safe over the long term, BUT can be dangerous when starting or increasing a dose" (Canadian Rx Opioid Guidelines).

"Mixing #opioids with alcohol or sedating drugs such as pills to help anxiety or sleeping, greatly increases the risk of overdose."

Patients should see an MD if they have slurred speech, poor balance, become upset or cry easily, or nod off during conversation or activity.

7) "The [#opioid] medication the doctor prescribes for you can be very dangerous to others. Your body will get used to the dose your doctor sets for you but this same dose can be very dangerous to others" (Canadian Rx Opioid Guidelines).

Patients taking #opioids reach the "proper dose slowly, but someone who is not used to the medication could have a serious reaction, including death."

Patients should never give any rx medicine to others: "it is illegal & could harm them" (Canadian Rx Opioid Guidelines).

"#CDC Guidelines for Prescribing #Opioids for #ChronicPain does not recommend opioid discontinuation when benefits of opioids outweigh risks."

@HHSGov says MDs/policymakers shouldn't treat "cautionary dosage thresholds as mandates for dose reduction." hhs.gov/opioids/sites/…

Despite evidence that #addiction to rx #opioids is "unlikely" if you don't have a history of alcoholism or substance abuse & fed'l guidelines that do NOT recommend discontinuation/tapers if benefits outweigh risks, millions of people are being forced off safe, effective medicine.

🚩Join @headsUPmigraine in lobbying STATE lawmakers to introduce a bill that would protect doctors who prescribe #opioids to people w/ #ChronicPain & protect patient access. Copy-paste-send this letter. Contact link included. Let us know if you hear back! docs.google.com/document/d/e/2…

@threadreaderapp #unroll