None of these medicines should be used for chronic pain problems, such as chronic back pain or migraine. However, narcotics, tranquilizers or muscle relaxants may be prescribed for a few days to manage pain from an injury, surgery or a dental procedure. The two of you can work together to find the safest treatment for you. The smallest possible dose of a tranquilizer or narcotic medicine should be used. The medicine should be taken for as short a time as possible.
Depression can be a problem for some patients during recovery.
Many patients in recovery are concerned about taking antidepressants. Major depression is a significant medical condition and often must be treated with one of these medicines. Based on your recovery status, your doctor will be able to tell if you need to take an antidepressant. During the first few months of recovery, you may find that participation in a self-help group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous can help with certain feelings of depression. It is essential that you let your doctor know that you are involved in such a group.