My doctor prescribed oxycodone for me about six weeks ago. I have chronic pain from a back condition. The nurse in the office calls me every week to ask me all kinds of questions about using this drug. I’m not a child. I do think I can take the medication as prescribed. How do I get these people off my back?

You may be misinterpreting the actions and concerns of your physician’s staff. Oxycodone is an opioid (narcotic) drug with the potential to become addictive. Close monitoring during the first three months of use is highly recommended for two reasons.

First, your doctor wants you to get the pain relief you need. Inadequate treatment is one way patients fail to get the help they need. And to go along with this first reason is the second reason for close contact. Opioids are dose titrated over time.

This means the amount of drug is increased slowly until you reach the right level for your symptoms. With this approach, you get the right amount of drug for relief of your particular symptoms. Some people have more pain at night and need dosing instructions that are different from other patients who need stable pain control around the clock.

There is always the concern about giving patients too much opioid and causing a drug dependence or addiction. Talk to your doctor at your next follow-up visit or call him/her if you are still in doubt about the need for weekly phone calls. Sometimes just understanding the reason behind the supervision can help patients feel cared for rather than assaulted.