Prescription pain medication is made from a variety of unique chemicals that are designed to disrupt pain signals or alter the way your brain interprets those pain signals. While modern prescriptions are incredibly effective for many patients, they are not perfect. Some patients will find themselves struggling with chronic or acute pain and unsure of where to turn for relief.

Have the Dose Altered

Before exploring other options, your doctor will most likely alter your dosage. It is incredibly important that no one ever attempts to alter their own dose or the frequency that they take their medication without first speaking to their doctor. Even minor changes to your medication could have unforeseen and dangerous side effects. Some doctors will gradually change the dosage over the course of two or three weeks to see if that is the culprit.

Be Patient

Any time that you begin to take new medication or alter the amount of medication that you are currently taking, it could take two or more weeks to feel the effects. All patients should speak with their doctor about what kind of time frame they can expect. If the pain hasn’t diminished within a few weeks, then you might need a new prescription. Many people will be told to quit using their old medication for multiple days to prevent negative interactions.

Change Your Prescription

Pharmacology is not always a precise science. Every single human’s body is slightly different, and this means that they will react to various chemicals in different ways. A pharmacist who received their education in online Pharm.D. programs says some patients will need to try several different forms of pain medication until they find something that suits their needs. Your doctor will walk you through this process to ensure that the transition between each prescription is safe.

Explore Your Other Options

Depending on the root cause of your discomfort, your doctor or chronic pain specialist might suggest a wide variety of other treatment options. This often begins with an overhaul of one’s diet and any exercise that they do. Prescription painkillers can put quite the strain on one’s body when taken over a long period of time, and it is vital that you stay hydrated, eat a clean dietf. Those that are able to exercise, with a doctor’s recommendation, may attempt to do so.

There is no silver bullet when it comes to managing chronic pain. Patients will need to work closely alongside their doctor to come up with a personalized long-term treatment plan.