opioid prescribing guidelines

Opioid prescribing guidelines are recommendations designed to help doctors prescribe these powerful pain medications safely. They emphasize assessing a patient's pain and risks before starting opioids, using the lowest effective dose, and considering non-opioid options first. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor for effectiveness and possible misuse. Doctors should also screen for risks of addiction, especially in patients with a history of substance use. Ultimately, the goal is to manage pain effectively while minimizing the potential for abuse and dependence on opioids.