Opioids are a group of narcotic drugs that are used to treat coughing and diarrhea and are often prescribed to help control pain. In addition, opioids are used as anesthetics during surgery. Opioids are classified as depressants and can be addictive.
Opioids are often classified by how the drugs are sourced. Three types of opioids are available:
Opioid Side Effects Side effects of opioids can include: constipation drowsiness dry mouth extreme pain sensitivity itching nausea pinpoint pupils of the eye. Opioids, when taken improperly, can lead to drug addiction. Therefore, when taking opioids, always follow your doctor's orders. Do not increase dosages if the pain killers become less effective over time without discussing your situation with your physician first. Also, never take any opioids that were not prescribed specifically to you.
Side effects of opioids can include:
Opioids, when taken improperly, can lead to drug addiction. Therefore, when taking opioids, always follow your doctor's orders. Do not increase dosages if the pain killers become less effective over time without discussing your situation with your physician first.
Also, never take any opioids that were not prescribed specifically to you.
Natural opiates include codeine and morphine.
Codeine is included in:
Codeine is generally combined with other analgesic painkillers such as Tylenol® and is used to treat mild to moderate pain.
Morphine is also known by the following names:
Morphine is used to treat moderate to severe pain and severe diarrhea.
One type of semi-synthetic opioid is heroin. Other semi-synthetic opioids include:
Synthetic opioids include:
Long-Term Pain Management with Opioids Because opioids can be addictive, opioids are not generally prescribed for long-term pain management. However, opioids are sometimes prescribed for pain management during terminal illnesses, as addiction is less of a concern than comfort in those situations.
Because opioids can be addictive, opioids are not generally prescribed for long-term pain management. However, opioids are sometimes prescribed for pain management during terminal illnesses, as addiction is less of a concern than comfort in those situations.
Discuss any medical conditions that you have with your physician before he prescribes a medication from the opioid family. You might not be able to take opioids if you suffer from:
In addition, discuss any medications that you are currently taking with your doctor to prevent negative drug interactions.
If you are pregnant or are planning on getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about any implications that taking opioids might have for you. Also, avoid taking opioids when breast feeding, as some opioids can be transferred to your baby through breast milk.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2007). Do You Know ... Opioids. Retrieved August 24, 2007, from the CAMH Web site: http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Drug_and_Addiction_Information/opioids_dyk.html.
Psychology Today (2006). Opioids. Retrieved August 24, 2007, from the Psychology Today Web site: http://psychologytoday.com/conditions/opioids.html.
Schaffer Library of Drug Policy (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions about the Opioids. Retrieved August 28, 2007, from the druglibrary.org Web site: http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/heroin/opifaq.htm.
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (n.d.). Pain Management Opioid Side Effects: What They Are and How to Cope. Retrieved August 29, 2007, from the mdanderson.org Web site: http://www.mdanderson.org/topics/paincontrol/display.cfm?id=C51CC50C-FDC8-4D7E-B40ED49B77130859
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