Medically reviewed by
Dr. Thomas Key
McLeod Women’s Care – Clarendon
Opioid pain medications do a great job of controlling agony from an injury, surgical recovery or chronic conditions, such as arthritis.
“Unfortunately, like many things in the world today, those that do great good can also result in great bad,” says McLeod ON/GYN Dr. Thomas Key. “That’s the case of opioid medications, especially for women.”
OPIOID ABUSE HIGHER IN WOMEN THAN MEN
Opioid overdose is a leading cause of death in the US. Opioid abuse is higher among women than men. From 1999 to 2010, drug overdoses rose 400% among women, compared to 265% among men. A key to the problem could be that women experience pain differently from their male counterparts. According to the US Food and Drug Administration:
Keep an eye out for these signs of opioid dependence:
If you notice these warning signs, talk to your OB/GYN about different medications that may help. The alternative might include over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Naproxen) or an anti-depressant, such as duloxetine.
ACTION YOU CAN TAKE
You can use a number of ways to protect yourself from opioid abuse or addiction, including:
Find an OB/GYN near you.