Safe Dose of Pain Medicine - Is It the Same for All Arthritis Patients?

"The dose of an opioid pain medication that is safe for you could be high enough to cause an overdose and death in someone else, especially children." I read that recently and asked rheumatologist Scott J. Zashin, MD, to explain the significance of the statement.

"Narcotic pain medication can have varying effects in different people. As a result, if a narcotic is required for musculoskeletal pain, I will initially prescribe the lowest dose at the longest interval," Zashin said. He went even further to explain about precautions and warnings associated with pain medications, building up a tolerance to pain medications, and patient compliance. Read more in Safe Dose of Pain Medicine - Is It the Same for All Arthritis Patients?

Related Resources:

• More About Analgesics
• The Facts of Pain Medication
• Preventing Abuse of Pain Medications
• Pain Medications - 10 Things You Should Know
• When Are Pain Medications Appropriate for Arthritis?

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