With a 10-day supply of opioids, 1 in 5 become long-term users

Re:With a 10-day supply of opioids, 1 in 5 become long-term ... by michaf on Sunday March 19, 2017 @06:31AM (#13906275)

Probably you know about the opioid alternatives, but did you try anticonvulsants [1] for your nerve pain? I had nerve damage after a surgical procedure, and opioids did not really help. A doctor suggested to try Gabapentin, which greatly reduced pain down to tolerable levels. While anticonvulsants probably have their own risks, they seem much less addictive than opioids, and are probably easier to get on prescription.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anticonvulsant

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Re:With a 10-day supply of opioids, 1 in 5 become long-term ... by sergior on Sunday March 19, 2017 @07:06AM (#13906401)

I was prescribed Gabapentin for neuropathic pain and it did little for the pain but brought in a whole lot of nasty side effects. I was feeling terribly sick and everyday getting more depressed and thinking I am going to die and then severe anxiety came in that lasted for months after I stopped taking this medication. I am back on opioids now.

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Re:With a 10-day supply of opioids, 1 in 5 become long-term ... by michaf on Sunday March 19, 2017 @08:54AM (#13906777)

Sorry to hear that. For me the only side effect was some drowsiness, but I heard that it can come with more severe side effects for others. Best of luck with your further pain management!

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Re:With a 10-day supply of opioids, 1 in 5 become long-term ... by GordonS on Sunday March 19, 2017 @09:47AM (#13907033)

I also tried gabapentin for suspected nerve damage, and it made me feel like I was drunk - that's not a state that would allow me to live a normal life, working, driving etc

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