Controlling acute pain can require high doses of medications, so careful monitoring is necessary to allow for patient comfort without risking unwanted side effects. As a result, medications are often given in a carefully titrated, continuous-rate-infusion (CRI), which we adjust for the patient’s specific needs and can decreased as the pain begins to resolve. Doses of the medication can be minimized by combining different types of drugs, such as local or “numbing” anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, narcotics, and sedatives for reducing anxiety.
Controlling acute pain can require high doses of medications, so careful monitoring is necessary to allow for patient comfort without risking unwanted side effects. As a result, medications are often given in a carefully titrated, continuous-rate-infusion (CRI), which we adjust for the patient’s specific needs and can decreased as the pain begins to resolve. Doses of the medication can be minimized by combining different types of drugs, such as local or “numbing” anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, narcotics, and sedatives for reducing anxiety.
- A thorough evaluation of the source of the pain may determine that a cure or greatly improved condition could be achieved through surgical or medical treatment.
- All pain medications carry a risk of negative side effects. The intensity of pain should be the determining factor on the level of drug therapy instituted.
- To minimize side effects, each patient’s risk factors should be instituted, including any liver or kidney dysfunction. This is exceptionally important when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be used. Blood work is frequently recommended before starting therapy.
