OPIOID REDUCTION
Download this brochure to learn how to reduce your risk of harm from opioid medication and safely manage chronic pain
A version of this brochure for the United States is available here.
Print out a personalised opioid dose reduction schedule
Choose the opioid, enter the starting dose, then enter how often the dose should be reduced. The dose reduction schedule can be saved and printed as a PDF:
Information for patients:
Do not reduce your dose without your health care provider's supervision
See your health care provider to develop a personalized plan that’s right for you.
How will my health care provider reduce my opioids?
Everyone is on a different dose of opioids. Gradually reducing your dose of opioids requires an individualized plan. You health care provider will reduce the dose by 10%-20% every 1-4 weeks, with the last third of the program taking longest.
If I gradually decrease the dose of my opioid, will my pain get worse?
No. In fact, pain, function and quality of life often improve when opioids are stopped. This is because over time, opioids can become less effective, with increasing doses only increasing side-effects. When you need an opioid medication, take the lowest dose for as short a time as possible, and then gradually reduce your dose until you stop. Once side-effects of opioids lessen, people often find they feel better.
CAUTION
Your tolerance to opioids will reduce as you cut down your dose. This means YOU ARE AT RISK OF OVERDOSING IF YOU QUICKLY GO BACK TO HIGH DOSES OF OPIOIDS. Always take opioids as prescribed.
Withdrawal side effects
When reducing the dose of an opioid too quickly, some people may experience withdrawal reactions (e.g. insomnia, anxiety, nausea). Various strategies and treatments are available to manage withdrawal side effects. Talk to your health care provider to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.
WARNING
DO NOT CUT SLOW-RELEASE TABLETS IN HALF. Cutting pills in half destroys the slow-release coating on the pill. You may receive a higher dose and risk overdosing.
Check out these great Canadian resources to guide opioid tapering and deprescribing
A comprehensive list of resources relating to the Opioid crisis, compiled by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction.
The ‘how to’ of tapering opioids. Includes the evidence and guidelines for tapering opioids; a template to use when tapering an opioid medication; and a prescription for managing opioid withdrawal. Compiled by RxFiles.com.
Helpful links to local Saskatchewan and international services and resources. This is a comprehensive toolkit compiled by RxFiles.com.
The College of Family Physicians Canada have collated this useful list of guidelines; support networks; courses and training opportunities; and resources for physicians and patients.
The Centre of Effective Practice have designed this Opioid Tapering Template which includes how to taper, reduce or discontinue opioids, including withdrawal management and tapering plans with follow-up.
This Tool has been designed by the Centre for Effective Practice for use by primary care providers to screen, diagnose and provide Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) for those with problems with opioid use.
| Opioid Resource List | A comprehensive list of resources relating to the Opioid crisis, compiled by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction. |
| How to: Tapering Opioids | The ‘how to’ of tapering opioids. Includes the evidence and guidelines for tapering opioids; a template to use when tapering an opioid medication; and a prescription for managing opioid withdrawal. Compiled by RxFiles.com. |
| PainLinks: for those living with pain | Helpful links to local Saskatchewan and international services and resources. This is a comprehensive toolkit compiled by RxFiles.com. |
| Chronic Pain and Opioid Resources List | The College of Family Physicians Canada have collated this useful list of guidelines; support networks; courses and training opportunities; and resources for physicians and patients. |
| Opioid Tapering Template | The Centre of Effective Practice have designed this Opioid Tapering Template which includes how to taper, reduce or discontinue opioids, including withdrawal management and tapering plans with follow-up. |
| Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Tool | This Tool has been designed by the Centre for Effective Practice for use by primary care providers to screen, diagnose and provide Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) for those with problems with opioid use. |
Looking for more information on opioids?
If you would like additional detailed information about opioid deprescribing, click here to see the Opioid Tapering Template produced by RxFiles Academic Detailing.
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