Maybe I can help yall. Don't put narcotics In a separate category different than other medications that we prescribe for Our patient's. Medications we prescribed all have a goal with a desired measurable outcome. Beta blockers don't work for Everybody for blood pressure control, and you may switch to a calcium channel blocker because you're following serial blood pressure readings looking to see if your medication is getting to the desired blood pressure control measure. Is the medication getting you to the goal of blood pressure control? Are there any negative side effects from this medication? If so you will have to change drugs again.
Narcotics and analgesics are no different. However, their desired treatment endpoints take a little more effort to evaluate, BUT can be done. Is their daily function better? Are they more active? Are they loosing wt.? Are they missing less work or school? Are they compliant? Is their life better b/c of narcotics than not on narcotics? If the answer to alot of these questions is NO then DON'T PRESCRIBE NARCOTICS.
Don't let pts bully you to prescribe. If a guy comes in saying he wants a script for estrogen, you would tell him no after you stop laughing. Narcotics are no different.
Lastly, if your follow area pain docs are idiots, don't send them pts and keep on practicing good pt. care.
I gotta go see clinic and RX proper narcotics. Later.
Nate
