What is Medication Optimisation?
Medication Optimisation is a structured review and adjustment of your current pain medications to ensure they are safe, effective, and appropriate for your condition. The goal is to maximise benefit while reducing side effects, drug interactions, and unnecessary long- term medication use — particularly where strong or multiple medications are involved.
Who is it for?
This service is suitable for patients who:
- Are taking multiple pain medications with limited relief
- Have experienced side effects or reduced benefit from their current painkillers
- Are on long-term opioid or neuropathic drugs and wish to review or reduce them
- Need support in transitioning to non-medication-based pain strategies
- Are unsure whether their current medication is helping or causing harm
What does the process involve?
- A detailed review of your current and previous pain medications
- Discussion of your pain experience, functional goals, and concerns
- Personalised recommendations, which may include:
• Gradual dose reduction or tapering
• Switching to safer or more effective alternatives
• Planning for non-drug-based treatments such as injections, nerve blocks, or physiotherapy - A collaborative approach, with advice shared with your GP or referring clinician
Important Prescribing Information
In line with local prescribing guidelines, our clinic does not initiate or prescribe opioids or pregabalin. These medications must be prescribed and monitored by your own GP. We may offer advice or recommendations to your GP as part of a broader medication optimisation plan, but prescribing responsibility remains with your primary care provider.
Benefits of Medication Optimisation
- Reduced side effects, medication dependency, and unnecessary drug use
- Improved pain control and daily function
- Clarity on which treatments are truly helping
- Safer long-term medication strategies
- Confidence in managing your pain with the right support