What is the safest non narcotic painkiller a heroin addict can take?
Unfortunately, all the very potent painkillers present the potential for abuse and/or addiction. We checked with a chronic pain specialist about Ultram, which some internet sites tout as non-narcotic and therefore safer, but he tells us that some patients have abused or become dependent on it, and that there are published reports of addiction relapse (e.g., to heroin) triggered by using this medication. Some patients on methadone maintenance (and methadone, of course, is an opiate) get some pain relief, but we know that many people end up abusing methadone, as well, by obtaining it “on the street.” The safest options, not surprisingly, are the ones with a slower and less dramatic effect. Naturally, this includes the so-called NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen. Our consultant tells us that many patients have also found that certain antidepressants, muscle relaxants, or anti-seizure medicines make a significant dent in their pain. Safer still, and sometimes
