Prescriptions of powerful pain killers, such as codeine and tramadol, have doubled in the past decade – with the number of prescriptions issued rising from 12m in 2006 to 24m in 2016. NHS Digital figures show that one of the highest increases in prescriptions has been for oxycodone, which shot up from 387,591 to 1.5 million – a 206% rise – over that period.
But doctors warn that more should be done to monitor these drugs, and that they should not be given out so readily. The Faculty of Pain Medicine and Royal Pharmaceutical Society said more patients should be persuaded to try psychological means of dealing with pain, such as mindfulness, instead.
They warn that while opioids can be effective for cancer patients and for tissue damage, they do not always help the growing number of patients now taking them for long-term pain. These drugs also have side effects, such as severe constipation and dangerous sedation.
One of the main concerns is the risk of becoming addicted. Yasir Abbasi, a psychiatrist with Mersey Care NHS Trust, said: “Being dependent or addicted to prescribed painkillers can lead towards a slippery slope of illicit behaviour which can pave the way for hardcore drugs. There are not enough non- pharmacological interventions available to reduce our reliance on opioid medication.”
Share your experiences
We want to hear from our readers about this topic. Have you been given pain killers for chronic pain? Did you feel you had enough support while on these drugs? Did you become addicted? Do you think there should be more support services for those who become dependent? Tell us your stories and experiences.
Prescription pain killers: share your stories with us
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