[catnipman]

“Even under medical supervision, opiates have a thin margin for error that all too easily leads to accidental overdoses.”

i’ve taken opiates for pain after major surgery and not once has a doctor told me there was “a thin margin for error” ... never have read that anywhere either ...

now there ARE tons of drugs that DO have well known thin margins of safety, such as most of the cardiac anti-arrhythmics, digoxin, et. al. ...

here’s a full list:

https://go.drugbank.com/categories/DBCAT003972

[Rockingham]

Opiates are often prescribed in combination with other drugs that can amplify their effects. For example, Tom Petty suffered from a broken hip and died from an accidental overdose combination from drugs prescribed for the pain.

In other cases, opiates may disguise dangerous medical issues. Comedian Gary Shandling was in the middle of a 911 call when he died from a venous thrombosis, the pain of which had been disguised by prescribed opiates.

I too have had opiates for pain several times after major surgery. In the proper circumstances they are essential. Most doctors exercise considerable caution as to when and to whom they prescribe opiates. In effect, doctors seem to have trusted us not to abuse or divert them.