Understanding & Managing Pain

Managing Pain - Could our Practice Pharmacist help you?

One of the most common reasons for an appointment with our Practice Pharmacist is managing pain.

In particular, guidance on managing pain has changed.

  • Opioids are now only thought to be beneficial short term (less than 6 months).
  • Side effects include: memory loss, nausea, drowsiness, reduced sex drive, weight gain, addiction, tolerance, increased pain, constipation, urinary retention, decreased immune function
  • The higher the dose for the more time leads to more risk

Ask yourself?:

  • Do you still have pain despite using your opioid medication regularly?
  • Does your medication cause side-effects that affect your daily activities e.g. drowsiness that stops you driving
  • Have you noticed a change in your sex drive or sexual function?
  • Do you take your medication because it helps you to relax?

If you answer 'yes' to any of those questions, it is likely that the opioid medication is not doing what it is supposed to and may be causing you harm.

The questionnaire using medications for persistent pain may help you to think about whether your medicines help.

What to do?

  • Keep a pain diary (e.g. pain diary)
  • Book an appointment to see your GP or the Practice Pharmacist

If you have an appointment to discuss pain management medications, it's helpful to bring a completed copy of the questionnaire using medications for persistent pain, along with your pain diary, to your appointment.



Posted: 17 May 2023

Persistent Pain: Online Resources

Understanding and managing persistent or chronic pain is a common reason for consulting your Practice Pharmacist.

Here are some useful resources to aid understanding of how to manage your pain:

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