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Monkseaton Medical Centre

Cauldwell Avenue, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear NE25 9PH. Tel: 0191 252 1616

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Opioids and Painkillers

Opioids are commonly used medicines to relieve pain. They can be very effective short-term to relieve moderate to severe pain.

There are a wide range of conditions that our GPs will prescribe opioids for, in the majority of cases this is only intended for short-term use, for example after an injury or surgery. Similarly, opioids bought over the counter such as co-codamol (codeine and paracetamol), should only be used short-term.

In the long-term, opioids only reduce pain for approximately 10% of people, yet they can still produce a number of side-effects:

Opioids carry a serious risk of addiction, which increases the longer you use them. Your body can also build up a tolerance, or ‘get used to’ opioids, meaning the same dose can become less effective. Developing a dependence for opioids means you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they are stopped suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can include: shivers, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, sweating, irritability, agitation, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms on stopping an opioid, please contact the surgery or your local pharmacist to discuss. Do not stop taking an opioid suddenly if you have taken this for a prolonged period.

Feelings of cravings, or that you need to take more than prescribed can be a sign that you are addicted to opioids. Opioids should not be taken for reasons other than pain relief – for example, to stay calm, or to help you sleep.

Taking opioids safely:

  • Take the medicine as directed, do not increase the dose or take extra doses
  • Take the minimum effective dose for shortest required time

The pharmacy team at the practice continue to work to encourage patients to reduce their opioid use where appropriate. You may receive letters, or phone calls from the pharmacy team to review your opioids. If you have any questions or require advice on any of your medicines, please contact us.

If you are interested in some further information, please take a look at the following links

Live well with pain

Painkillers don’t exist 

 

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Mental Wellbeing

Visit our dedicated Mental Wellbeing page with links to Patient Resource Sheets. Should you need urgent mental health help when the surgery is closed:

  • Shout: the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, text Shout to 85258
  • Contact your local Mental Health Crisis Team 0303 123 1146: crisis teams are made up of experienced mental health staff, including nurses, social workers, psychiatrists and pharmacy staff, and offer services to anyone over the age of 16, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Online Consultations

Only some medical problems are suitable for an eConsult. If you are thinking of contacting your GP surgery this way please check here to see if your GP will be able to deal with your concerns in an eConsult.

Online Consultation

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Opening Times

Monday: 8am to 6pm
Tuesday: 8am to 6pm
Wednesday: 8am to 6pm
Thursday: 8am to 6pm
Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
For surgery closure days click here

Updates

  • We are offering online services. This allows you to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view your medical record online. Click here for more details.
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