Some opioids come from the opium poppy plant, but some are synthetic and made in a lab. Prescription opioids work by attaching to the central nervous system’s opioid receptors and interacting with pain receptors to help you better manage feelings of pain and discomfort.
Prescription opioids, such as morphine, buprenorphine, and illegal opioids, such as heroin, can produce adverse effects.
Prescription opioids and side effects
Doctors can prescribe opioids to help reduce and manage pain caused by many health conditions, including cancer, injuries, opioid use disorder, and surgeries. A doctor may recommend opioids for long- or short-term pain. These medications are generally safe when taken under a doctor’s supervision.
Buprenorphine
You may find this medication under the following brand names:
Common side effects of buprenorphine include constipation, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, confusion, stomach pain, headache, and skin rashes. But, side effects may differ depending on how you take the medications, such as injections, patches, or pills.
How to minimize buprenorphine side effects
You can minimize the adverse effects of buprenorphine by drinking lots of fluids, eating foods naturally high in fiber, resting, and avoiding alcohol.
Butorphanol
Butorphanol was also known under the brand name Stadol, which is now discontinued.
Common side effects include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and stuffy nose. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately if you experience breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, or urination issues.
How to minimize butorphanol side effects
You can minimize the side effects of butorphanol by exercising, drinking lots of fluids, and eating foods high in fiber.
Fentanyl
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives this drug a boxed warning because it has a potential for dependence.
Fentanyl is also available under other brand names, including Fentora and Actiq.
Doctors may suggest this prescription-only drug to relieve severe pain in people who tolerate opioids but require round-the-clock, long-term treatment. Some of its most common side effects include:
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- tiredness
- dizziness
- trouble sleeping
- increased sweating
- feeling cold
- headache
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
Serious side effects include difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and adrenal insufficiency. Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any serious side effects.
Side effects may differ depending on how you take the medication. For example, lozenges and pills can have different side effects.
How to minimize fentanyl side effects
To help reduce the adverse effects of fentanyl, avoid consuming alcohol, drink plenty of fluids, avoid rich and spicy foods, and ensure you get enough rest.
Hydrocodone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives this drug a boxed warning because it has a potential for dependence.
Hydrocodone is also available under the brand name Hysingla.
Hydrocodone can produce side effects including:
- nausea
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- upper respiratory tract infections
- dizziness
- constipation
- dry mouth
- tiredness
- headache
- back pain
- difficult, frequent, or painful urination
- ringing in the ears
- foot, leg, or ankle swelling
Some serious side effects include chest pain, heartbeat changes, and difficulty breathing. Talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they worsen or don’t go away.
How to minimize side effects
As with most opioids, to reduce possible side effects, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, and eat fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation. To minimize serious side effects, take the medication only as prescribed by your doctor.
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Get free cardHydromorphone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives this drug a boxed warning letting doctors and patients know that the drug can have dangerous effects.
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is also available under the brand name Exalgo.
Side effects of this drug can include:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- sweating
- flushing
- euphoria
- dry mouth
- itching
- constipation
Serious side effects include vision changes, mood changes, risk of new heart conditions, and difficulty breathing. You should speak with your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
How to minimize side effects
Take the medication as directed by your doctor, and take it with food. Avoid consuming alcohol and other sedative drugs while on this medication.
Methadone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives this drug a boxed warning letting doctors and patients know that the drug can have dangerous effects.
Methadone is also available under the brand name Methadose.
Common side effects of methadone include:
- constipation
- nausea
- sedation
- sleepiness
- vomiting
- tiredness
- headache
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- stomach pain
- sweating
Serious side effects include shortness of breath, chest pain, and low blood pressure.
Morphine sulfate
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives this drug a boxed warning letting doctors and patients know that the drug can have dangerous effects.
Morphine is also available under brand names, MorphaBond, MS Contin, Duramorph, and DepoDur.
The short-term side effects of morphine can include:
- nausea and vomiting
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- difficulty urinating
- sleepiness
- changes in heart rate
- weakness
- dizziness
- confusion
Serious side effects may include sexual dysfunction, poor appetite, and chronic constipation.
How to minimize side effects
Eating foods high in fiber, exercising, and drinking lots of fluids may help to ease some of the morphine’s side effects.
Oxycodone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives this drug a boxed warning because it has potential for dependence.
Oxycodone is also available under the brand names Oxaydo, Roxicodone, Oxycontin, Xtampza, and Roxybond.
The common side effects of oxycodone include:
- constipation
- nausea and vomiting
- sleepiness
- tiredness
- dizziness
- confusion
- headache
- itchiness
How to minimize side effects
Oxycodone has a high potential for dependence, so take it only as prescribed by your doctor. Remember to drink lots of fluids and eat fiber-rich foods to avoid constipation.
Tapentadol
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gives this drug a boxed warning because it has potential for dependence.
Tapentadol is also available under the brand name Nucynta and Nucynta ER.
Side effects of tapentadol include:
- headache
- heartburn
- constipation
- stomach pain
- dry mouth
- tiredness
- anxiety
- drowsiness
- sleep disturbance
Serious side effects can include chest pain, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
How to minimize side effects
To address some of the adverse effects of tapentadol, drink lots of fluids, eat foods high in fiber to avoid constipation, and, because it causes drowsiness, give yourself time when standing to avoid loss of balance.
Tramadol
Tramadol is also available under the brand names Ultram, Conzip, and Qdolo.
Its most common side effects of tramadol are:
- dizziness
- headaches
- sleepiness
- tiredness
- nausea or vomiting
- constipation
- dry mouth
- sweating
- low energy
How to minimize side effects
To address some of the adverse effects of tramadol, you can drink lots of fluids and eat foods high in fiber to avoid constipation. You may also consider avoiding alcohol and getting plenty of rest.
Medical uses of opioids
Doctors and healthcare professionals use prescription opioids to help relieve moderate to severe pain, which can be acute or chronic, caused by injuries, surgeries, and health conditions such as cancer. They can also treat substance use disorders.
Besides relieving pain, medical professionals can also prescribe some opioids to treat diarrhea and coughing.
Because of the high potential for addiction, researchers recommend strategies to manage the side effects of opioids. For example, an older 2015 study suggests reducing the opioid dose, rotating opioid medications, changing administration type, and directly addressing any adverse effects.
Work with your doctor
To avoid any possible interactions when taking prescription opioids, talk with your doctor about your other medications and treatments.
It is essential only to take opioid medications as prescribed by your doctor.
If you or someone you know has taken too many opioids, call 911 or your nearest emergency service. You can also call the poison control helpline at 800-222-1222.
Summary
Doctors can prescribe opioids to help relieve pain caused by injuries, surgeries, or health conditions like cancer.
Opioid drugs have a high potential for dependence and can produce adverse effects such as constipation, dizziness, and headaches. Some serious complications include trouble breathing, heart conditions, and seizures.
To avoid the risk of serious side effects or dependence, be sure to follow your doctor’s guidance and take these medications exactly as prescribed.
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