LOWERING YOUR OPIOID DOSE	

Taking opioids for pain over a long time is not recommended (unless the pain is caused by cancer). The benefits decrease and the risk of harm increases over time. Is this the right time for you to lower your dose or stop it completely?
Use this resource to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor and plan the best way to lower your dose.

Possible benefits of lowering your dose	

Danger of not lowering your dose	

	

Your dose may increase
The body gets used to opioids which means they don’t work as well over time.

	

More harm the longer you use them The chance of harm, such as side effects, increased pain and dependence, increases with time.

What's involved	
	
Use other strategies to manage pain
You will need to use other strategies to manage pain before, during and after lowering your opioid dose. Strategies may include being more active, stretching or relaxation.

It takes time to lower your opioid medicine
Your opioid medicine will be reduced slowly. The time it takes depends on how much you take and your own circumstances.

You will need regular review and follow up with your doctor
It is important to see your doctor regularly while lowering your dose, to monitor
your progress and talk about any issues you may be having.
Build your support network
Lowering your opioid can be difficult. Prepare your support group, including your family, friends and healthcare team.

Some people experience withdrawal symptoms
Symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, nausea, diarrhoea and stomach aches.
These are temporary and usually not dangerous.	

Name:  <<Patient Demographics:Full Name>>	Date: <<Miscellaneous:Date (short)>>	ACTIONPLAN	

MY TAPERING PLAN	
Record dose and set goal(s)	

Current opioid medicine(s) and dose(s).......	
My goal(s)............. 	
Ideally you should work towards stopping your opioid, but lowering your dose (even a little bit) can help to reduce harms.
Mark your current oral morphine equivalent daily dose on the scale below. Doctors can help calculate this using a dose calculator. You can also note your dose as it reduces to keep track of your progress.	

Plan to lower your opioid dose	
Use the table below to plan each step you’ll take to lower your opioid dose.
 Start date	
 How much (morning)	
 How much (night)	
 How long	

	

	

	

	

	

	

Monitor your progress	
Monitor and discuss your body, mind and lifestyle with your doctor, each time your dose changes.
Date / Dose	
 Body
(eg, activity level, side effects, pain level)	
Mind
(eg, ability to think, sleep) 	
Lifestyle
(eg, social life)	

	

	

	

	

	

	

Find out more about:	
• Opioids and how to deal with withdrawal symptoms, visit NPS MedicineWise www.nps.org.au/consumers/opioid-medicines
• Other ways to manage pain, visit Pain Management Network www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain
• Chronic pain, visit painaustralia www.painaustralia.org.au	
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© 2019 NPS MedicineWise. Independent. Not-for-profit. Evidence-based. This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. ABN 61 082 034 393
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. NPS MedicineWise disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer. Published October 2019. NPS2233