GPs are prescribing the equivalent of a kilogram of morphine every month because there are so few services to deal with chronic pain, according to a study. Dangerous opioid painkillers are being used as a quick fix even though they do not work for long-term pain, researchers say in a report published in the British Journal of General Practice. A national database of patients on high doses of opioids is needed to ensure that they are getting proper treatment and are not at risk of side effects such as heart and breathing problems. Northern England and poor areas are the heaviest users of opioids such as tramadol and codeine, the study says. Researchers say that this could be to deal with chronic pain brought
GPs are prescribing dangerous opioid painkillers for sufferers of chronic pain even though the medications don't work for long-term illness, according to research published in the British Journal of General Practice. Use of opioids such as tramadol and codeine, prescribed as a quick remedy amid a shortage of long-term care services, is heaviest in Northern England and poor areas. Researchers suggest they're being dispensed to deal with symptoms caused by social problems such as unemployment. Deaths in the UK attributed to opioids increased from 500 to 900 every month. Ministers have called for a review of the problem.