When are medication agreements or pain medication contracts recommended?

Medication agreements or pain medication contracts are recommended universally for all medications prescribed for chronic pain due to the complexity and risks associated with long-term pain management. These agreements serve several critical functions, including:

1. Establishing Clear Expectations: They create a mutual understanding between the prescriber and the patient regarding treatment goals, medication use, and responsibilities. This clarity helps to minimize misunderstandings and sets the stage for a collaborative approach to pain management.

2. Enhancing Patient Safety: Given the potential for misuse and addiction associated with chronic pain medications—especially opioids and other controlled substances—contracts can help ensure that patients understand the risks and adhere to safe practices. This is particularly vital in managing medications known for having a higher risk profile.

3. Facilitating Opioid Risk Mitigation: While the focus of these agreements often highlights opioid prescribing due to their abuse potential, the principles of monitoring and accountability are also applicable to other classes of medications utilized for chronic pain management. This includes muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, and even certain non-opioid analgesics when prescribed in a long-term context.

4. Monitoring Progress and Adjustments: The use of agreements allows for ongoing assessment of the efficacy and safety