Dr. Motov said physicians can identify drug-addicted patients in the ED by watching for classic symptoms of being “high” — slurred speech and shuffling gait. He said EDs should not shy away from treating drug-addicted patients, as patients have the right to the same quality of pain management as all other patients. However, upon discharge, patients should be provided with sufficient medication to relieve anticipated pain but less than might be used for abuse.
For example, physicians can prescribe oxycodone or hydrocodone in combination for acetaminophen for two days, dosed at scheduled intervals. He also recommends providing the smallest amount of acetaminophen (325 mg per tablet) to avoid the risk of overdose.
He concludes that while ED physicians can take precautions to prevent drug abuse, the clinical obligations of ED physicians to treat acute pain outweigh responsibilities in curing or curbing chemical dependency.
Read the Medscape Medical News interview with Dr. Motov.
Read more on pain management:
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–Researchers Find Trajectory Approach Adequately Measures Post-Operative Pain
