We are always looking for new ways to make painkillers safer for those individuals who suffer from acute or chronic pain conditions, and one such improvement was the shift to extended release opioids. These types of pills were promoted as safer than traditional opioids, and while they are in some aspects, they are far from a perfect solution. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of extended release painkillers.

Extended Release Painkiller Benefits and Drawbacks

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of extended release painkillers, as well as some reasons why these benefits may not be a perfect solution to the problem.

Abuse Deterrent – Some painkillers were redesigned, making them harder to crush and snort. While this has been successful in preventing abuse of some opioids, it has led some abusers to try even more dangerous methods to get their quick fix, like in the form of injections with shared needles. Other types of abuse deterrent drugs actually were designed such that if they were crushed, the active ingredient would fail and the user would not be able to experience the drug’s effects, which helped prevent abuse.

Overdose Deterrent – Extended release formulas of some opioids mean that the individual taking the medication gets a mild amount of the drug over an extended period of time, as opposed to a quicker feeling of pain relief that patients might feel with normal formulas of the drug. This also means patients may need less of the drug because it provides longer and consistent relief instead of a stronger relief that fades over time. That being said, some people may be expecting quicker pain relief, and when they don’t achieve that soon after taking the pill, they could end up taking additional pills to quell their pain. This can lead to an increased likelihood of abuse, addiction or accidental overdose.

Easy To Find – Many companies were forced to invest in developing abuse-deterrent versions of their drugs, so there are a number of different ER opioid options. However, since companies needed to invest more time and money into developing these drugs, they are often more costly than the normal pills. Many patients don’t want to spend more on painkillers than they need to, meaning many opt against the extended release options.

Effective – The good news is that for many patients, ER opioids are effective at helping them manage pain. One thing many pain sufferers want is consistency, and a consistent, long-release drug can do all that. This can help them plan their day, including when they need to take the pills in order to participate in physical therapy or other active treatment options. The only issue is, like any drug taken over a long period of time, the body gets used to the drug and a higher dose is needed to achieve the same level of relief. ER opioids are great in the short-term when working towards a longer recovery goal, but like any opioid, should not be viewed as a long term solution if at all possible.