This method is only safe to use at home if the patient is evaluated by a doctor and is considered a good candidate. Medications are generally prescribed around the clock to help keep the pain from building up. Discuss what schedule will work best for the patient with the patient's health care provider. Give medication at regular times to keep enough medicine in the bloodstream that will keep the pain away. Give medication before pain builds up.
Pain is harder to control if it is at a severe level.
Give pills during the night, or get on a pain control plan that does not require nighttime doses. Too much time between pills means that the amount of medicine keeps dropping and the level of pain increases. Do not stop the pain medicine suddenly. This will be a shock to the body and withdrawal symptoms can occur. Discontinuing any pain medication should be discussed with the doctor and done gradually.