Patients & Caregivers

Rx Pain Medications: Dangerous Drug Interactions

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

This one page document includes information about substances and medications that can cause dangerous interactions with prescription opioids. According to this resource, patients are advised to avoid mixing prescription pain medication with alcohol, antihistamines, cough syrup, barbituates, benzodiazepines, and general anesthetics.

Document
Patients & Caregivers

Rethinking Pain

Source: Providence Health & Services

Research shows that pain can be made worse by stress. This 2 page patient guide describes the relationship between pain and stress and provides tips to quieting the stress response and focusing on things that make you feel good.

Document
Patients & Caregivers

Tips for Increasing Restful Sleep

Source: Oregon Health Authority

Research shows that disturbed sleep can make pain problems worse. This patient guide provides tips for increasing restful sleep including changes people can make in their sleep habits and environment and ways to reduce stress. Also included is a chart where patients can track the changes they are making to their sleep routines.

Document
Patients & Caregivers

Tips for Increasing Positive Thoughts and Feelings When Experiencing Pain

Source: Oregon Health Authority

Research shows that people can reduce or better manage their pain if they pay attention to their mood and feelings and adopt the techniques described in this guide to prioritize positive thoughts and actions. This resource provides an overview of cognitive behavioral therapy concepts for patients and caregivers and

Document
Patients & Caregivers

What Parents (and Grandparents) Need to Know About Prescription Opioid Painkillers

Source: National Safety Council

This one page guide educates caregivers about the risks of opioid use for children and teens and provides advice for how to safely store medications, how to speak with physicians about any opioid prescriptions, and how to communicate with children and teams about the risks of opioid use.

Document
Patients & Caregivers

Talking with Your Medical Provider When You Are Prescribed an Opioid Painkiller

Source: National Safety Council

A one page guide for patients and caregivers on how to talk to health care providers about prescription opioids. Includes information about medical conditions that increase the risks of opioid painkillers, how to talk with providers about appropriate dose and length of treatment, and asking appropriate questions about

Document
Patients & Caregivers

How to Safely Dispose of Leftover Prescription Medication

Source: National Safety Council

A one page guide for patients and caregivers on why unused prescription drugs should not be kept in the house and how to safely dispose of leftover medications including opioids.

Document