Questions for Your Doctor
In advocating for your health and better understanding the risks of prescription opioids, feel empowered to ask your doctor questions and get the information you need.
When visiting your doctor, bring your list of all the medication you are taking, and ask your doctor these questions (PDF):
If you have been newly prescribed an opioid, ask your doctor:
- Is this medication an opioid?
- What are the risks and side effects?
- Is this safe to take with my other medications?
- Are there any non-opioid pain relievers/alternatives I could take instead?
- Is this the lowest dose possible?
- May I have fewer pills?
- How long should I take this medication?
- How should I taper off the medication?
- What if I have a history of addiction?
- Should I have some Naloxone (Narcan) on hand?
- How should I store my opioid medicine?
- What should I do with unused opioid medicine?
If you have been taking a prescription opioid for a while, ask your doctor:
- Is this safe to take with my other medications?
- Can I /how should I taper off the medication?
- Are there any non-opioid pain relievers/alternatives I could take instead?
- Am I dependent on my prescription pain reliever?
- Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) a way to help me stop taking opioids?
- Are there other resources that can help me?
- Should I have some Naloxone (Narcan) on hand?
It is important to consult your doctor before changing dosage or taking steps to taper off prescription opioids.
Sources
FDA: What to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids