4 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Pain Medication
Pain is nothing new as everybody has experienced headaches caused by tension, toothache due to cavities, and muscle pains from participating in strenuous activities. These ordinary aches are usually relieved by massages, hot compresses, or over-the-counter medicines.
However, there’ll come a time when people would experience unbearable pain that the only way to relieve it is by taking potent pain meds. People suffering excruciating pain may have different underlying conditions and require personalized formulations provided by pharmaceutical compounding companies such as Fagron Sterile Services and others. A pharmaceutical compounding company prepares, mixes, or manufactures medications customized for the patient’s particular needs.
Whatever pain relief drug you get from your doctor, you’d have a better chance of getting the most out of your medication if you follow the five tips below:
- Read Med Inserts And Labels
No matter what type of medicine you buy or use, it’s always a great idea to read the labels or inserts that come with the drug. Unfortunately, most people throw out the packaging without taking time to read. Labels contain essential information on the formulation, drug dosage, contraindications, and even possible side effects. Some even give tips on the ideal time to take the pills or whether you should take them with or without food.
It’s also worth noting that even over-the-counter drugs can cause side effects. So, if you’re treating lower back pain and you feel compelled to take retail pain meds because massage and liniments no longer work, be sure to read the label or inserts that go with your pills. If you require more information, you could visit the manufacturer’s website for further guidance.
- Ask About Dosage, Side Effects, And Contraindications
If your pain is more than what you can handle, it’s always best to get medical care. Before the doctor writes you a prescription, it’s a good idea to let them know if you have pre-existing conditions and if you’re taking other medications and supplements. Providing these details will help your physician choose the best type of medication for you. Remember, there are drugs that you can’t simultaneously take because they cancel out each other’s efficiency. Also, you want to avoid double dosing because it could lead to overdose.
It’s imperative to call your doctor if you experience side effects from your prescribed pain meds, especially if it’s the first time you’re taking the drug. If you experience heart palpitations, profuse vomiting, or other severe symptoms, you must head to the nearest hospital for emergency or urgent care.
Labels and inserts don’t offer all the answers to the questions you may have, so if you want to get the most out of your prescription, you should ask questions even if they seem silly. For example, if you always drink wine before bedtime, you can ask your doctor if it’s safe to consume alcohol while taking the drug. You can also ask if drinking your meds could affect your sleep. If you’ve been prescribed opioids, maybe you want to know what you should do to prevent getting dependent on this type of drug.
- Be Sure To Follow Instructions
Always follow the instructions on how and when to take your pain medications. It’d help if you took the meds as prescribed to ensure you’ll be getting the most out of the drug and prevent overdosing. Some people suffering from severe pain might get tempted to take their pills earlier than the prescribed time and as soon as they feel the pain creeping in.
Please don’t take your meds in irregular intervals because you might end up overdosing. The best step to address this problem is to contact your doctor.
- Try To Be Consistent
Lastly, try to take your meds consistently at the same period every day. It’d be easier for you to determine if your meds are working if you take them consistently as prescribed. Also, if you missed a dose, don’t take two doses simultaneously just to compensate. If you do, you might suffer from drug toxicity.
For those taking potent pain drugs, you shouldn’t stop taking your meds on your own, even if your condition has improved. If you no longer need to take them, ask your doctor what you should do next. Some people suffering from chronic pain may experience withdrawal symptoms by abruptly stopping their use of pain meds.
Bottom Line
Before you give up on the pain drug your doctor prescribed, you should ensure first that you’re taking your medicine the proper way. Often, getting the most out of your medication is a matter of strictly following your doctor’s instructions and reading the information provided by the drug manufacturer.
