- Patients with chronic pain are at higher risk of opioid misuse, including dose escalation and self medication of negative emotions.
- Responsible opioid prescribing in the ED entails maximizing the use of opioid sparing medications before progressing to opioids.
- Tylenol and Ibuprofen show greater efficacy in nociceptive pain.
- Educating patients on cognitive and emotional aspects of pain and setting expectations for functional improvement, can help to reduce use of opioids.