Prescription pain relievers are often extremely effective in treating pain. When over-the-counter medications just aren’t enough prescription pain relievers are the best choice. However, there are many risks associated with prescription pain relief drugs. As a result, it is important to take them with care and follow some simple rules.

First, patients taking pain relief medications should take care when taking other medications. It is important for them to sit down with their doctor and go over any medications they are taking. This doesn’t only include other prescriptions. Make sure to ask about over-the-counter medications. Even pills that patients rarely think about such as a daily decongestant or headache medication could cause side effects. It is also important to notify doctors about herbal supplements. People often consider herbal supplements to be outside of medications they take, but certain herbs can change conditions within the body that may interfere with prescriptions.

Second, patients should tell their doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions. Treatments for chronic pain or specific injuries can interfere with treatments for other illnesses. Also, certain medications should not be taken by patients with certain conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or breathing problems.

Third, patients taking prescription pain pills should watch the news. The Food and Drug Administration has a big job and sometimes makes sudden changes about which drugs are safe and which are not safe. Sometimes, drugs are suddenly recalled. Other times, new, more effective medications become available. Paying attention to current events keeps patients aware of the situation. If patients hear anything on the news about a drug they are taking, they shouldn’t hesitate to call their doctor.

Especially when taking pain drugs, patients shouldn’t stop a prescription without consulting their doctor. Some of the stronger medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if they are abruptly stopped. Often, doctors will advise patients to taper off of a certain drug rather than stopping.

Patients should also be careful when taking strong drugs because there is a chance they could become addicted to them. This is why it’s important for patients to read all of the information about a drug when they receive their prescription and to make sure they understand all of their doctors’ instructions for taking it.