For Caregivers, Friends and Family
If you are caring for someone who is taking prescription opioids, it is important that you understand the risks associated with the medications, how to prevent an overdose and what to do if you suspect the person is misusing the medication.
Prescription opioids can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain and are often prescribed following surgery or injury, or for health conditions such as cancer. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the acceptance and use of prescription opioids for the treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain, such as back pain or osteoarthritis.
In addition to these risks, the use of prescription opioids can have a number of side effects, even when taken as directed:
- Toleranceāmeaning a person might need to take more of the medication for the same pain relief
- Physical dependenceāmeaning a person has symptoms of withdrawal when the medication is stopped
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Constipation
- Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Confusion
- Depression
- Low levels of testosterone that can result in lower sex drive, energy, and strength
- Itching and sweating
Advocating for Your Patient or Loved One's Health
Prescription pain medications can interact with other medications in dangerous ways. A doctor can give you information about how your medications are interacting with each other.
Use this inventory form (PDF) on the Resources page to write down all of your patient or loved one's medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, as well as vitamins and supplements.
Take this list of medications to your patient or loved one's doctor. Feel empowered to ask them questions and get the information you need, using these questions on the Questions for Your Doctor page.
Signs of Prescription Opioid Misuse and Overuse
Since prescription opioids can be addictive, it is easy for people to misuse the medications and develop a dependency or addiction. Here are some signs of potential opioid misuse and overuse:
- The person sometimes takes the medication at higher doses than prescribed
- He/she has been taking the medication for longer than prescribed
- The person feels cravings for their prescription pain medication
- He/she takes other people's prescription opioids, even for a legitimate problem, like pain
- The person has given up or reduced social, job-related and recreational activities because of the use of the medication
- He/she sometimes takes prescription opioids to feel the effects/get high
- The person has tried to cut down or stop taking the medication but has been unsuccessful
Even if you feel that your patient or loved one is using prescription pain medications safely, it is still a good idea to talk with their doctor. It is easy to develop a tolerance to and become dependent on opioids. As a caregiver, it is also crucial that you educate yourself about the signs of opioid overdose and how to prevent it.
Signs and Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose
During an overdose, breathing can be dangerously slowed or stopped, causing brain damage or death. It's important to recognize the signs and act fast. Signs include:
- Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils"
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Pale, blue, or cold skin
What to Do If You Think Someone is Overdosing
It may be hard to tell if a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren't sure, it's best to treat it like an overdoseā you could save a life.
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Administer Naloxone, if available.
3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
5. Stay with him or her until emergency workers arrive.
About Naloxone
Naloxone is a safe medication that can quickly stop an opioid overdose. It can be injected into the muscle or sprayed into the nose to rapidly block the effects of the opioid on the body.
Sources
CDC: Preventing an Opioid Overdose Tip Card