What Questions Should You Ask Your Child’s Healthcare Provider When an Opioid Pain Reliever is Recommended or Prescribed?
Is a prescription opioid necessary to treat my child’s pain? Might an over the counter (OTC) pain reliever such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), in combination with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) be just as effective? For chronic pain, can we explore alternative treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback or massage? How many pills are being prescribed, and over how long a period? Is it necessary to prescribe this quantity of pills?
What are the risks of misuse? (The prescriber should be able to answer this question for the specific drug being prescribed.) Should my child be screened to determine his/her risk of substance use disorder (SUD) before this medication is prescribed? If not, why not? (Common risk factors include co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression or ADHD, as well as a family history of addiction or a recent trauma such as a death in the family or a divorce.)
What Should You Do if an Opioid Pain Reliever Has Been Prescribed for Your Child?
Safeguard medication at home – i.e., don’t just leave it in the medicine cabinet where anyone, family or visitors, can access it. Dispose of unused medication at a local “Take back” event or -– as an alternative where no take back opportunities exist — by mixing the medication with coffee grounds or other unpleasant garbage and throwing it out.
As mentioned above, supervise the dispensing of the medication, counting the pills in the bottle to be sure they are being taken as prescribed. Clearly document when the prescription was filled and when a refill will be needed -– and be suspicious of any missing medication.
Communicate with your child about the risks of misuse, and be very clear that the medication is not to be shared with others. Communicate regularly with your child about the level of pain he/she is feeling, making sure the pain is diminishing with time and staying alert for any signs that your child is growing dependent on the medication.
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