Centers for Disease Control’s Guidelines for Opioid Use in Chronic Pain
According to the CDC, from 1999 to 2010 opioid prescriptions in the US quadrupled, marking the “first wave” of America’s opioid crisis. Not surprisingly, prescription opioid deaths by overdose made the same dramatic surge.
Some of those deaths were the elderly who have been chronically over-medicated with opioids. The elderly have a very different and diminished ability to metabolize pharmaceuticals, and this is not always taken into proper account.
Improper pain management, whether over-medication or under-medication, is the genesis of much suffering for the elderly with chronic pain.
The CDC even had to release new guidelines for opioid use for chronic pain. While those in active cancer therapy, palliative care and end of life care aren’t included in these guidelines, chronically ill elders certainly are.
List of most common opioids: Buprenorphine, Codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Hydromorphone, Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone (Oxycontin), Oxymorphone, Tramadol.
Common side effects to watch for: Nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, sedation, dizziness, depression, urinary retention, itching, sweating, respiratory depression, hypersensitivity to pain, seizures, delirium, myoclonus.
The families and caregivers of elders with chronic pain also need to understand these principles so they can advocate for best practices and help their loved one’s pain management. Here is a simple, short and practical summary of the CDC guidelines:
*Use non-opioid therapies first.
*Start low and go slow.
*Monitor closely and follow up.
Further information on pain management in the geriatric population can be found here:
If you need help managing the care of your loved one and implementing any of these steps, we are here for support. Give Grace Care Management a call at (760) 789-9177 for a free consultation.
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