VICODIN Vicodin and other hydrocodone products: similar in effects to morphine. When abused, can lead to dependence, tolerance, and addiction. Vicodin™ is one of the most frequently prescribed medications for pain.    OXYCONTIN  OxyContin   Purdue Pharma, began selling Oxycontin in 1996.  Since that time, During this same time, Oxycontin addiction grew to epidemic proportions. Oxycontin became known on the street as OC, Oxy, Oxycotton, or hillbilly heroin. The U.S. . Attorney's office began investigating how physicians and their patients had been so misled. Finally, on May 10, 2007, Purdue and three of its former top executives pleaded guilty in federal court to criminal charges of fraud in marketing Oxycontin. Purdue will pay $630 million in criminal fines to the federal government and the three executives another $34 million.       FENTANYL Fentanyl and Duragesic patches are have biological effects are indistinguishable from those of heroin, with the exception that the fentanyls may be hundreds of times more potent. Fentanyls are most commonly used by intravenous administration, but like heroin, they may also be smoked or snorted.     ULTRAM AND ULTRACET Ultram and Ultracet side effects include: dizziness, drowsiness, or headache; nervousness, tremor, or anxiety; nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea; or itching, dry mouth, or sweating.   TRAMADOL Tramadol is habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment.

3. WHAT'S UP DOC? When selecting a pain management doctor there are a variety of considerations to consider.  Select a doctor who:

• Is Board Certified in pain medicine.  Like other physicians, anesthesiologists earn a college degree and then complete four years of medical school. They spend four more years learning the medical specialty of anesthesiology and pain medicine during residency training. Many anesthesiologists who specialize in pain medicine receive an additional year of fellowship training to become a "subspecialist," or an expert in treating pain. Some also have done research, and many have special certification in pain medicine through the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). The ABA is the only organization recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to offer special credentials in pain medicine
• Is knowledgeable about pain and pain treatments
• Listens well
• Seems honest and trustworthy
• Has a good reputation in the community
• Encourages you to ask questions and allows you to disagree
• Has medical malpractice insurance. Ask for his insurance policy, limits and confirm it with the company.  In Florida, insurance is not required to practice medicine.  Amazing.

4. JUST THE FACTS...Make sure you disclose to the prescribing physician any personal or family history of abuse or addiction.  This is not intended to deny the patient relief that is needed, rather to insure that the appropriate level of monitoring is in place.  The easiest way to withdraw from addiction is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. It is also required that you advise the pain management doctor of all other medications you might be taking, even those you might perceive have no influence on your pain.  This prevents the prescription of contra-indicated drugs as well as lowers the risk of over prescription.