Recent medical evidence questions the benefit of drugs like this (which are in the morphine family) for long-term pain. Strange as it might sound – we don’t think they are very good at killing pain at all when taken for more than a few months.

In taking these medicines there are some risks too – they can

• sometimes make pain worse
• cause side effects to the intestines and the stomach
• make the body feel dependent on them so if you miss a dose, you feel a bit jittery and anxious
• increase the risk of falls
• there’s even a risk of overdose and death, especially if taken in overdose with alcohol or benzodiazepines like diazepam.

For these reasons, where appropriate, we suggest patients try a "drug holiday" This means you taper off and stop your painkillers over a month or so to see for sure whether they’re helping or not. It’s not unusual for pain to flare up a bit when doses are reduced and discontinued but that’s to be expected. Once you’re off them for a month you’ll have a good idea as to whether they’re making a positive difference to your life. If they are and you still need the medication, feel free to restart them – try to find the lowest dose that works.

If you have any questions about this, please book an appointment to speak to a clinician at the practice.