Alternatives

Talk to your medical professional about opioid alternatives

Don’t be afraid to ask about ways to manage your pain that do not involve prescription opioids. Some of these options may actually work better and have fewer risks and side effects. Depending on the type of pain you are experiencing, the list below contains alternatives to prescription opioids.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy – a psychological, goal-directed approach in which patients learn how to modify physical, behavioral, and emotional triggers of pain and stress
  • Exercise therapy, including physical therapy
  • Medications for depression or for seizures
  • Interventional therapies (injections)
  • Exercise and weight loss
  • Other therapies such as chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage
Alternatives to opioids

OPIOID DEPENDENCY CAN DEVELOP IN JUST

3 DAYS

4/5

heroin users started with Rx pain pills.

IN SC, AN OPIOID PRESCRIPTION IS FILLED EVERY

9 SECONDS

LOOKING FOR MORE DATA?

See More Data
Mobile device

Questions to Ask Your Medical Professional

  • Do opioids provide the best possible treatment for my condition?
  • What are the risks and benefits? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
  • What are the side effects?
  • What increases my risk of overdosing when using opioids?
  • Is it harmful to mix opioids with alcohol or other medications?
  • What is the lowest effective dose and the shortest amount of time that I should need to take an opioid for my acute pain?
  • How do we set a treatment plan to achieve my pain management goals?
  • How often do I need to follow-up with you to discuss my treatment plan?
  • Are there non-opioid treatments that can be effective with fewer side effects and less chance of misuse?
  • How can I slowly reduce my opioid use to minimize withdrawal symptoms?
  • How can I transition taking an opioid to safer pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen?
Video thumbnail
Common Opioid Side Effects

Constipation

Drowsiness

Mental confusion

Nausea

Respiratory depression

Severe itching

Weak bones

Hormonal dysfunction

Severe abdominal pain

Dizziness

Vomiting

Physical dependence

Delayed gastric emptying

Hyperalgesia

Immunologic dysfunction

Muscle rigidity

Myoclonus (involuntary muscle jerks)

Helpful Materials for Patients

Acute Pain Vs. Chronic Pain

ACUTE PAIN

Pain that usually starts suddenly and has a known cause, like an injury or surgery. It normally gets better as your body heals and lasts less than three months.

CHRONIC PAIN

Pain that lasts three months or more and can be caused by a disease or condition, injury, medical treatment, inflammation, or even an unknown reason.

What you need to know about acute pain Opioids for Acute Pain - Get the Facts Manage Your Pain Risks and How to Reduce Them
Helpful materials

OVERDOSE PREVENTION

Download SAMHSA's Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit to learn what you need to know about preventing, identifying, and treating an opioid overdose.

Learn More

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

Talk to your medical professional about ways to manage your pain that do not involve prescription opioids. Some of these options can work better. Plus, there are fewer risks and side effects. Explore alternatives depending on your type of pain.

Learn More

TIPS ON SAFE USE OF OPIOIDS

Do not take too many opioids, take them too often, or mix them with alcohol. Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking. Read and follow your prescription's label directions carefully.

Learn More

LEARN THE COMMON TERMS

Have a better understanding about the opioid epidemic by learning commonly used terms.

Learn More