Opioid use: what to ask your doctor and where to get help
Every day, roughly 220 people in the United States die from a prescription opioid overdose and many more become addicted. It's statistics like this that make opioid abuse one of America's foremost health crises, taking lives and negatively impacting communities.
While opioids can be helpful in treating certain kinds of acute and chronic pain, they can act on your brain in powerful, addictive and potentially dangerous ways.
If you or someone you know is prescribed an opioid, consider these questions to ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication.
Questions to ask about opioids
Is this type of medication right for me?
There may be ways to ease your pain without an opioid prescription. Consider talking to your doctor about taking prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These won't lead to dependence or addiction. Just keep in mind, they are more potent and may have more side effects than over-the-counter NSAIDs, like aspirin and ibuprofen.
You should also make sure your doctor knows about other medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking, especially those prescribed to treat anxiety, sleeping problems or seizures. Even medicines you take occasionally can interact with opioid pain medication.
Find support for substance use
Opioid misuse can impact anyone — but recovery starts with the right help. If you or someone you care about is struggling, Wellmark makes it easy to access case management support, explore mental health resources and find in-network providers for substance use treatment. Log in to myWellmark® and take the first step today.
How long should I take this medication?
Ask your doctor about when and how to stop using, or taper off, your opioid prescription. You may also consider asking for the lowest dose and the smallest quantity possible.
To reduce any side effects from the medication, be sure to take it exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. If you're still feeling pain, call your doctor. Don’t take extra doses.
How should I store it?
If you have kids at home, you might want to consider a lockbox for your medications. It's important to remember that your prescription is for you. Don’t share your medication with anyone else.
If you have unused medicine, don't keep it around your house. There are many ways you can safely dispose of your opioid medication, like participating in a Drug Takeback Day.
Do I need naloxone if I am taking an opioid?
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If you have a history of overdose or substance abuse, or you're on higher opioid dosages, you may want to consider getting a naloxone prescription and having it on hand. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is something you should consider.
Find in-network substance use recovery options
If you or a loved one needs help with opioid use disorder, Wellmark can help. Log in to myWellmark to locate an in-network provider or facility for substance use disorder treatment.
Disclaimers
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.