Opiates
There are certain diseases that are so harsh that they illustrate symptoms of extreme pain. One of the primary ways to minimize or diminish pain is by taking some form of medication. Depending on the severity of the pain and the type of problem that is causing it, medication prescribed by a doctor may be necessary. Some diseases, such as cancer, take a very high dosage of prescription medication to take away the pain. Doctors have found that opiates (which are derived from opium) are the most effective in keeping pain levels down on patients. The different types of opiate drugs administered by a doctor include morphine, codeine, thebaine, and papaverine. Oddly enough, morphine and heroine have the same pharmacology structure and are able to resemble the same effects such as analgesia and sedation.
Cancer is one of the leading diseases that cause a patient a tremendous amount of pain, not only through symptoms but treatments as well. Depending on the type of cancer, and the stage that it is in, certain medications can be given to bring the pain down to a tolerable level or decrease entirely. This is the case within mesothelioma treatment. In clinical practices, the use of opiates has been found to be successful. Doctors have to cautious to distribute the opiate properly, how to make it work effectively, managing the side effects that may occur with the drug and what other alternatives can be used to treat the pain. Also, it has been research that long term use of opiates is dangerous because of its effect on the dependence that the patient may have with it. A specific example, morphine, can be given in increasing doses safely until the pain subsides. With opiates, it is hard to determine what the correct dosing method is appropriate. Each patient is different and reacts to the medication in a variety of ways.
Pain management experts work very closely with the distributors of opiate medications in order to ensure that everyone has the same goals. Also, it is important that the patient and health care provider are in agreement on the use of opioid medication. Unfortunately, some medical professionals know little about what opiate medications can do for their patients who are suffering from cancer and other types of illnesses that bring on excruciating pain. The patient may wish to do research on opiates and talk with their doctor on whether or not it would be a suitable form of pain relief depending on their situation.
Last modified: September 22 2008.
