Tramadol study exposes misconceptions about prescription opioid risks
Meanwhile, a record-breaking naloxone training fueled debate about teens and overdose prevention.
Meanwhile, a record-breaking naloxone training fueled debate about teens and overdose prevention.
Over the past week, articles and social media posts debated the risks of tramadol, a prescription opioid, in response to a recent study. Some commenters challenged the dangers of this medication, while others expressed concern about options for pain management. Other posts highlighted a record-breaking naloxone training at a California high school, which received both praise and criticism.
Given these discussions, communicators may share the risks of prescription opioids and reiterate that anyone can save a life by administering naloxone.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about substance use
A study published on October 7 found that the risks of tramadol—a prescription opioid that treats moderate to severe pain—may outweigh what the study called its “limited” benefits for people experiencing chronic pain. In response, Facebook users shared mixed experiences with the medication. Some falsely claimed that tramadol is not an opioid, and others argued that it should not be classified as an opioid because they do not believe it is dangerous. Several commenters suggested that it’s too difficult to access adequate pain management and worried that the study would further limit patients’ access to opioids.
On October 17, a California high school set the Guinness World Record for the largest naloxone training, teaching more than 1,000 high school students how to use the medication to reverse an opioid overdose. On social media, some commenters celebrated the news and highlighted the importance of naloxone. Others suggested that teens should not attend naloxone trainings.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about substance use.
Conversations about prescription opioids provide an opportunity to reiterate that anyone can develop opioid use disorder or accidentally overdose, including those who are prescribed opioids by a doctor. Some people may face higher risk of developing OUD and overdosing, such as people who have a history of substance use disorder or use other substances in addition to opioids and people with certain health conditions, like sleep apnea. People who need prescription pain management should talk to their health care provider about their medical history and other medications they take to determine the safest options for them. Sharing the signs of OUD and tips for talking to health care providers about pain is recommended.
In response to discussions about teens and naloxone, messaging may emphasize that anyone regardless of age can carry and use naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. Criticism of teen trainings may indicate a lack of understanding of the risks of overdoses for this age group. Messaging may explain that people of all ages could overdose on opioids, including teens who may unknowingly consume a substance laced with a potent opioid like fentanyl. Explaining how to use naloxone and where to get it nearby is recommended. Communicators may also want to direct people to any teen-centered naloxone trainings and reiterate that naloxone should be administered any time an overdose is suspected. Messaging may stress that it’s safe to administer naloxone even if the person is not overdosing or is not overdosing on opioids.