Topics to discuss about medications
Some Topics You may Wish to Discuss with your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Medications
How and When Best to Take Medications
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Scheduled v. prn - maintaining effective levels in the body
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short acting v. controlled release medications
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The importance of using self-management techniques before taking dose of medication
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How to use medications for breakthrough pain (when indicted)
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How long before bedtime to take a sleeping medication
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When medication levels peak and how that correlates with side effects and efficacy
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Taking medications with food v. on an empty stomach
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What to do when a dose is missed
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The importance of not abruptly stopping most medications
Traditional and Nontraditional Pain Management Medications
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NSAIDs
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acetaminophen
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opioids
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not mixing mu agonists and agonist antagonists
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Stadol nasal spray
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tricyclic antidepressants as analgesics
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anticonvulsants as analgesics
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trazadone as a sleep aid
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antidepressants to help level mood
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topical counterirritants, ice and heat as adjuncts
Sleep and Dietary Habits
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How medications affect sleep
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REM v. delta sleep normal sleep and awakening patterns
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Adjusting sleeping medication times when a.m. grogginess is a problem
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Not staying up after sleeping medications make you drowsy
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Improving sleep hygiene working with your psychologist
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Appropriate use of sleeping medications versus relaxation, stretching and other self-management techniques
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Medication adherence (compliance)
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Addiction, Dependence and Tolerance to medications
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Medication costs including the Use of generic drugs.
