For people with chronic pain, taking strong medications is part of their daily lives. Each day I speak to people who are on a variety of pills ranging from such over the counter remedies as aspirin all the way to the strongest opioids. Not knowing any better, I thought that morphine was the strongest painkiller available.
The Washington Post has a fascinating look at the various opioids that doctors prescribe (and which some people abuse.) This article taught me a lot about the relative strengths of these pain medications. The article identifies each pill by its common name, and that assists in understanding which drug is which. It turns out that morphine is nowhere near the strongest medicine available. I wish I had known this sooner because it gives me much more insight into what my clients are taking. That, in turn, tells me just how bad their pain must be.
If you are taking any sort of pain medication, you should read this Washington Post article. I think it will give you a much better idea of what you are taking. You will also have the information you need to discuss other pain relieving remedies with your doctors. You will know, for example, to flee immediately if your doctor suggests taking carfentanil.
Are you on a painkiller? Which one? How is it affecting you? Let me know.
