West Los Angeles Handbook 2023 - 51

* Gargle with salt water
* Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles-Rx)
* Breathe Right nasal strips
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
* Fluticasone Nasal Spray (Flonase)
Pain medications
The first thing you need to say at any visit to the
emergency room or to any physician prescribing you
pain medication is that you are recovering from an
addiction. The physician and you will then create a plan
to resolve your pain and maintain your sobriety.
A few examples of medications that you should AVOID
are:
Opioids-Rx:
* Fentanyl (Duragesic patches)
* Morphine
* Codeine (Tylenol #3)
* Oxycodone (Percodan, Percocet, Oxycontin)
* Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Vicoprofen, Lortab)
* Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
* Oxymorphone (Opana)
* Tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet)
* Proproxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet)
Some physicians prescribe other medications for
pain that are also mood altering and addictive. Some
anti-convulsant medications may help with nerve
pain. Check this handout or talk to your doctor before
adding them to your treatment plan. AVOID using all
benzodiazepines (listed under " Psychiatric Medications "
in this guide).
Be careful with visits to the dentist. If you are going to
have a procedure done, AVOID using nitrous oxide or
" laughing gas. "
Injectable forms of pain relief such as Lidocaine or
Novocaine are better because they provide the numbing
pain relief without the mind-altering effect.
Unless your doctor has told you to avoid these
medications, they are generally SAFE (not addictive or
mood altering) to use for pain:
* Aspirin (Bayer-OTC)
* Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil-OTC)
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol-OTC)
50
* Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve-OTC)
* Celocoxib (Celebrex-Rx)
* Ketorolac (Toradol-Rx)
* Methotrexate (Rheumatrex-Rx)
* Infirimab (Remicade-Rx)
* and many more
Psychiatric medications
Most medications used in treating mental health
conditions are very safe. However, some are addictive
and dangerous for those in recovery, including the
benzodiazepines and stimulants. If you are diagnosed
with a mental health condition, work with your doctor
or get an opinion from an addiction medicine doctor as
well to insure you are prescribed safe, non-addicting
medications whenever possible. If you are already on a
medication, talk to your doctor before discontinuing its
use. Some medications have severe withdrawal effects
that require tapering down the dose. Examples of
medications for anxiety and depression that you should
AVOID:
All Benzodiazepenes (Rx):
* Diazepam (Valium)
* Midazolam (Versed)
* Oxazepam (Serax)
* Lorazepam (Ativan)
* Alprazolam (Xanax)
* Clonazepam (Klonipin)
Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers
are not addictive medications. However, some of them
may have other side effects or risks. Always discuss side
effects with the prescribing provider before starting a
new medication.
Most medications used for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD) have a stimulant
property. You should try to AVOID:
* Methylphenidate (Ritalin - Rx)
* Dextroamphetamine (Adderall - Rx)
* Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse - Rx)
A SAFE medication for ADHD is
* Atomoxetine (Strattera - Rx)
West Los Angeles Handbook 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of West Los Angeles Handbook 2023
