Working with opiates requires an understanding of these chemicals’ effects on the brain, and compassion for the patient who has been altered by these medications. At Manhattan Pain Medicine, we have many years of experience helping patients transition to non-opioid solutions.
What is Opioid Therapy?
Opioid and opiate pain medications (such as morphine, dilaudid, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, etc.) have been used for thousands of years to treat chronic pain. Science now shows us that these medications alone are not an effective treatment for pain. For this reason, and because of their serious side effects, opioids are being prescribed less and less. Many patients find that once they stop using opioids (under the guidance of their physician), they feel more energetic and their pain is no worse (new research shows that it is often better!). Since opioids do not heal the underlying source of pain, they can reduce symptoms only briefly, if at all, and therefore have very limited scope as a treatment. We support our patients’ well-being by promoting effective, sustainable treatments and by empowering them to walk their own path toward optimal healing.
How do you prepare for Opioid Therapy?
Dr. Siefferman is trained to treat people who still have pain, even on high doses of opioids. Patients on opioid therapy must agree to and sign the Opioid Agreement, as well as an Opioid Therapy Informed Consent. Breach of the agreement may result in immediate discontinuation of opioid therapy.
For those wishing to come off of opioid pain medications, there are many options for in-office detox which are comfortable and significantly limit any side effects of tapering off the medication. Buprenorphine or Suboxone ® is also available for those who are unable to fully come off of opioids.
Why is Opioid Therapy performed?
Opioid Therapy is performed to alleviate chronic pain in patients who have not found relief from other treatments. However, it’s essential to understand that opioids alone are not a long-term solution for managing pain. Our goal at Manhattan Pain Medicine is to provide effective pain relief while minimizing the use of opioids and transitioning patients to more sustainable and holistic pain management strategies.
What can you expect during Opioid Therapy?
At Manhattan Pain Medicine, we specialize in treating your pain while helping you come off of opioid pain medications. New studies show that patients coming off opioids actually experience less pain, which is because opioids (when taken for many months or years) increase your body’s sensitivity to pain. We also offer numerous other pain treatments, both traditional and alternative, which minimize pain and side effects.
Discontinuing an opioid pain medication is rarely easy, but we make it a smooth transition. In many inpatient programs, patients rapidly experience withdrawal, including diarrhea and chills – this is not our model. We work with you closely as an outpatient and design a program that will work for you. Medications which minimize withdrawal symptoms are used as needed, and your medication is slowly reduced over weeks, or changed to another medication (such as Suboxone ®) which can more easily be discontinued. Patients who are unable to be fully tapered off may be maintained on Suboxone ®, which carries fewer side effects than traditional pain medications such as oxycodone or morphine.
Adjuvant treatments to facilitate the tapering process may include oral medications, patches, or IV infusions such as ketamine.
What is the followup and recovery like for Opioid Therapy?
Follow-up care and recovery from Opioid Therapy involve close monitoring of your progress, adjustment of medication dosages as needed, and ongoing support to help you transition away from opioids if that is the goal. We prioritize your well-being and work with you to ensure a smooth recovery process, providing resources, guidance, and compassionate care every step of the way.
What are the potential risks for Opioid Therapy?
Opioid Therapy carries various potential risks, including addiction, tolerance, dependence, and adverse side effects. Additionally, long-term use of opioids can lead to serious health complications and may not effectively address the underlying causes of pain. Our medical professionals carefully assess each patient’s individual risk factors and closely monitor their response to opioid treatment to mitigate these risks and ensure safe and effective pain management.
Are there related procedures to Opioid Therapy?
Yes, there are related procedures and treatments aimed at managing pain effectively while minimizing reliance on opioids. These may include in-office detox programs, alternative pain management techniques, and medications like Suboxone® to help patients transition away from opioids. Our multidisciplinary approach at Manhattan Pain Medicine ensures that we can tailor a comprehensive treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals, prioritizing your comfort, safety, and long-term well-being.
