News reports are full of stories on the opioid (narcotic drugs) crisis caused by the over-prescribing of such pain relievers. They have proven to be highly addictive.
But there has been relatively little attention focused on a particularly vulnerable segment of the population: older people.
First, as we age, our bodies react differently to medications of all sorts. A particular dose that may be appropriate for a 25-year old may be excessive and dangerous for someone 75.
Second, older people are susceptible to falls, fractures and breathing problems independently of any drug use. Opioids significantly increase the risk of such events. They also can interact harmfully with the many other medications seniors are often taking.
But, of course, opioids are powerful pain relievers. Hence, they have been widely prescribed. But now we know their use is often accompanied by addiction exposure.
What to do? Avoid opioids if the pain is mild. Maybe aspirin alone will suffice. If not, ask your doctor for a low dose of narcotic painkillers with a short duration. If that doesn’t work, call the doctor to discuss alternatives to a higher dose. The increased interaction with your doctor allows for better monitoring of your pain management regimen and will be a barrier against addiction.
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