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A 39-year-old member asked:

Is it true that having an oxycodone prescription for breakthrough pain just makes people take more pain medication?

2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Glaser
Pain Management 27 years experience
Oxycodone: Yes and no. Oxycodone is a frequently prescribed immediate release narcotic given to people who are on chronic opioid therapy with a sustained release narcotic taken orally or by patch. The key is frequent follow-up with your pain physician to get to a regimen of sustained release narcotic where you require the minimum amount of oxycodone/breakthrough meds for emergency only.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Brijesh Chandwani
Orofacial Pain 13 years experience
Depends: Opioids such as oxycodone are very effective agents for pain relief in acute situations, but on a long term basis they are associated with poor outcomes and with increasing use of pain medications.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Dec 8, 2014

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