In the context of opioid therapies, what should be avoided?

Using long-acting opioids first in opioid therapies should be avoided because they are typically prescribed for chronic pain management and are not suitable for initial treatment, especially in cases of acute pain or opioid-naïve patients. Initiating therapy with long-acting opioids can lead to a higher risk of overdose due to their extended duration of action and the potential for accumulation in the body. This can be particularly dangerous in patients who may not yet be tolerant to opioids.

In contrast, starting with immediate-release opioids is often recommended for acute pain situations as they allow for better titration and management of pain levels while providing a clearer understanding of a patient's response to opioid therapy. Medication-assisted treatment represents a crucial strategy for opioid use disorder and should be implemented when appropriate. Combined therapy with non-opioids is beneficial as it may enhance pain relief while reducing the total opioid dose needed, thereby lowering the risk of potential side effects and addiction.