Medication is one of the most common ways to provide pain relief, often in combination with other forms of treatment. Dr. Trisha Patel of Revive Pain Management in Anaheim, California, will manage your medication carefully to ensure you are receiving the proper dose, there are no complications due to other medications you are already taking, and you don’t develop a reliance. Call or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Patel to discuss how medications can help relieve your pain.
Medication Management Q & A
What is medication management?
While medication is one of the first lines of treatment for pain, choosing the right medication for your specific needs takes time. That’s because everyone reacts differently to medication. Sometimes finding the correct medication or combination of medications can take some trial and error. The goal is to find the best medication(s) that help provide pain relief with minimal side effects.
Dr. Patel conducts a thorough review of your health history and all medications you currently take, which will impact what medications she prescribes. Some medications do not interact well, so knowing which medications and supplements you take is crucial.
Medication management is an ongoing process throughout your treatment. Over time your dosage may go down as your condition improves, or your medication may need to change if it no longer effectively treats your pain. Reliance on medication is also a factor that will be evaluated over time.
What types of medication help with pain management?
Different medications treat different types of pain. The type of medication Dr. Patel prescribes will depend on the severity of your pain, current condition, medical history, and more. After a thorough evaluation, she may prescribe:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Antidepressants
- Muscle relaxers
- Opioids
- Topical pain management medications (patches, creams, etc.)
While medication is often the first step in treating pain, nearly all pain treatment will also involve another form of therapy as well.
Will I get addicted to my medications?
Dr. Patel only prescribes opioids in the case of severe pain, and only on a short-term basis. Opioids help reduce the intensity of pain signals in the brain and are therefore effective in some cases. However, since long-term use of opioids can lead to a lessening of the drug’s effects and addiction, any opioid use will involve strict oversight and a plan to reduce and eliminate your use as soon as possible.
There are other effective medications available to treat chronic (ongoing) pain that are not as habit-forming, such as antidepressants and muscle relaxers. Dr. Patel works with you to find the most effective pain relief while also providing additional treatments so you will become less reliant on medication for pain relief over time.
Medication management is an important part of your treatment plan. Dr. Patel treats each patient as an individual and will come up with the best medication plan for your specific needs.
Call (949) 396-0501 today or make an appointment online for a consultation at
Revive Pain Management in Anaheim and Newport Beach, California.