Dr Oz: Prescription Painkillers + Questions To Ask Your Doctor

Dr Oz: Prescription Painkillers & Heroin Epidemic

Even Dr Oz is continuing to learn a lot, and he revealed that this year in particular, he’s learning a lot about the heroin epidemic affecting all of us. Even he thought he was immune to it, until a colleague told him that as a doctor, he’s received less training on prescribing painkillers than a veterinarian. That made him realize that an addiction can truly start in a doctor’s office. Addictions to prescription painkillers, known as opioids, are the fasted growing addictions in the U.S., affecting nearly 2 million people. Approximately 46 people die every day from prescription pain pill overdoses.

Dr Oz: Opioid Abuse Epidemic

Dr Oz brought in two experts who first explained that opioids, often known as opiates, are incredibly potent pain medications. These drugs include morphine, coedine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. They can be addictiving and sometimes can be a gateway to other drugs like heroin, and can too often lead to overdoses.

Dr Ada Cooper, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, shared that the rate of prescriptions by dentists has actually declined dramatically over the years, largely due to the efforts of the ADA. Dr Cooper said dentists have to balance the need for compassionate pain relief against the real risks of addiction.

Dr Oz: Questions To Ask Before Taking Pain Medications

Dr Oz, as well as his panel of experts, came up with five questions you need to ask your doctor or dentist, before saying yes to painkillers. First, what is the goal of taking the prescription? Dr Wanda Filer, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, said it’s important to know why you’re taking every drug you’re taking “but opiates need ultimate respect.” Dr Oz said the overall goal is to reduce your pain not get rid of it completely.

Secondly, ask your doctor when and how you should take the pills. It’s always recommended that patients try over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen first, because those can often be even more effective. Plus, chronic pain as well as nerve-based pain, are not best treated with narcotics. Dr Filer said “don’t underestimate the power of yoga, don’t underestimate the power of ice or massage therapy.”

Dr Oz: How Long To Take Painkillers

Third, ask how long you should be taking the pills. Dr Cooper said she typically recommend that her patients have no more than a one or two day supply. Dr Wiler said if you feel that you’ve been taking the medication for too long, you need to talk to a family physician. If you take a pill and think “I like how this makes me feel,” that’s a warning sign to stop.

Dr Oz: Lower Your Risk Of Becoming Addicted To Painkillers

Fourth ask yourself what the risks are when taking the pills. It’s important to remember that risks vary, so talk to your doctor or doctor about the medications you’re taking or what your medical history is. Lastly, what should you do with the extra pills? First, hide any pills while you’re using them. Second, use a take back program that many communities run. You can go to the Office of Diversion Control, enter your zip code, and find all the places you can go to, and take your old pills.

Share those five questions with those you love because knowing those questions will lower your risk of becoming accidentally addicted.

Dr Oz: Unite To Face Addiction Rally

Before the end of his show, Dr Oz talked about a rally he attended at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Thousands showed up in order to raise awareness about one crisis. The Unite to Face Addiction Rally was the first of its kind and Dr Oz couldn’t wait to take part. More than 600 organizations gathered to end the shame and find hope when it came to addiction. Dr Oz spoke to dozens of people, each with a unique story but one thing in common. They lost a loved one to addiction.

Dr Oz spoke with Joe Walsh from The Eagles who said those who are addicted and want to stop “it’s tough ” but it doesn’t have to be that hard. Steven Tyler said he was there to celebrate recovery and Sheryl Crow said “we’re all in this together.”