Opioid Information for Patients

The purpose of this website is to provide patients with information about safe opioid use to treat pain after injury or surgery.

America has an opioid epidemic. Did you know?

  • 8-12% of patients who have never taken opioids may have a problem with opioids after surgery or injury?
  • 4-6% of patients who do not use prescription opioids correctly end up using heroin?
  • About 115 Americans die every day from opioid and heroin overdose?

What is an opioid?

  • An opioid is a strong prescription medication used for pain relief.
  • You may know opioids as:
    • codeine
    • tramadol (Ultram)
    • hydrocodone
    • oxycodone (OxyContin)
    • methadone
    • morphine
    • hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
    • oxymorphone (Opana)
  • Opioids are also combined with other medications and sold as:
    • Tylenol #3, Tylenol #4
    • Ultracet
    • Vicodin, Norco, Lorcet, Lortab, Hycet, Zamicet
    • Vicoprofen, Ibudone, Reprexain
    • Percocet, Magnacet, Maxidone, Primlev, Roxicet, Tylox, Xolox
    • Percodan

Can medications other than opioids treat pain?

  • YES. Non-opioid medications can help treat pain too.
  • Some of these medications are:
    • Acetaminophen
    • NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib
    • Gabapentin
    • Lidocaine
    • And many more.

Pain after injury and surgery is normal.
Everyone feels pain differently.
Pain is usually worse in the first 2-3 days after injury or surgery

Understanding pain goals after surgery and injury.

  • Our goal is to control your pain well enough that you can do the things you need to heal: walk, sleep, eat, and breathe deeply.
  • We use non-opioid medications that we know are effective at controlling pain in order to use as little opioids as possible to control your pain.
  • Other things to try for pain relief:
    • Relaxation
    • Meditation
    • Mindful breathing
    • Music

Opioids can be used safely.

Here are some tips:

Taking your medications

  • Take the non-opioid medications you are prescribed to prevent severe pain.
  • Only use opioids if you still have severe pain after taking your non-opioid medications.
  • Do not mix opioids with alcohol or other medications that can cause drowsiness.
  • As your pain gets better, cut back your opioids BEFORE your non-opioid medications.
  • Only use your opioids for your surgical pain. Do not use the opioids for other reasons.
  • Your opioids are only for you. Do not share your pills with others.

Storing your opioids

  • Store opioids out of reach of infants, children, teens, and pets
  • Lock your pills away, if necessary
  • Try to keep a count of how many pills you have left
  • Do not store your opioids in places that allow easy access to your pills (example: kitchen)

Safely dispose of unused opioids

Opioids can be a bigger problem for some people more than others.

You are at a higher risk of developing a dependence or an addiction to opioids if you:

  • Have a history of depression or anxiety
  • Have a history of using or abusing alcohol, tobacco, or drugs (including prescription or street drugs).
  • Have a history of long term (chronic) pain.
  • Take opioids for longer than one week.
  • Take more pills, more often, than your doctor prescribed.

If you feel that you had a dependence on or addiction to opioids even prior to being admitted to the hospital, talk to your physician while you are still in the hospital.

If you have already been discharged from the hospital and you feel that you have a dependence on or addiction to opioids, please contact the Innovations Clinic at UT Health:

For More Information

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids
North Harris County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition