National Expert Calls for Zero Unintentional Deaths
October 18, 2006National Expert Calls for "Zero Unintentional Deaths" with Hawaiian Physicians
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – National pain medicine expert Dr. Lynn R. Webster will present his education campaign entitled “Zero Unintentional Overdose Deaths” and discuss the epidemic of prescription drug abuse to the Hawaiian Medical Association at their 2006 Annual Meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20 at the Hawaii Convention Center, located at 1801 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, HI.
“There are too many unintentional overdose deaths from prescription medications used for treating pain”, says Dr. Webster. “Many die because they have not been properly educated on the safe use of these powerful, but necessary pain treatment drugs. We need more research to find solutions to the problem without compromising access to pain therapy.”
Dr. Webster’s national campaign is designed to educate doctors, chronic pain sufferers and communities across the country about the increasingly serious issue of unintentional overdose deaths with prescription medications. His medical expertise has contributed to national news stories addressing the dangers of methadone and other prescription pain killers including ABC News’ 20/20 program on Friday, September 22, 2006, Court TV’s Catherine Crier Live on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 and in the October 16, 2006 issue of People Magazine.
In an effort to begin the education process with the general public, Dr. Webster developed the following six steps about the deadly risks associated with prescription painkillers. They are simple, yet vital steps we all can take to help this tragedy from occurring:
1. Never take a prescription painkiller unless it is prescribed to you. Everyone responds differently to pain medications. What is safe for one person may not be safe for another.
2. Do not take pain medicine with alcohol. Never mix the two; it is a dangerous combination that can be deadly. Alcohol increases the toxicity of pain medication.
3. Do not take more doses than prescribed. Even after the effects of pain medicine seem to have worn off, it is still depressing the respiratory system. Some medications like methadone may relieve pain for a few hours but will have a prolonged respiratory depressant effect. The body must develop a tolerance to the respiratory depressant effects before the dose can be increased.
4. Use of other sedative or anti-anxiety medications can be dangerous. Combining pain medicines with other sedative drugs, such as valium, can increase the toxicity of the pain medication. Only take other medications, if directed by the prescribing doctor.
5. Avoid using narcotic medications to facilitate sleep. Narcotic medications can suppress respiration during sleep. Speak to your physician about safe methods to manage pain during sleep.
6. Lock up prescription painkillers. If consumed by children or other family members, or stolen and sold on the street, prescription pain medicine can kill.
Dr. Webster is President of the Utah Academy of Pain Medicine and Medical Director of Lifetree Clinical Research® & Pain Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT. He is also a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Medicine Specialist who is dedicated to treating patients in pain while simultaneously working to minimize the potential for abuse, addiction and unintentional overdoses. Dr. Webster is also certified in addiction treatment, and he hopes that by providing education to doctors, chronic pain sufferers and statewide communities, we can get a handle on the big pain problem in America and reach his goal of “Zero Unintentional Deaths” with chronic pain patients.
