Are Any Opioids Safe? Risks of Long-Term Opioid Use

Opioids are a class ofdrugs, often referred to as narcotics, that are used to relievepain. These medications are typically prescribed to treat chronic and acutepaincaused by injury, surgery, andcancer. Milder forms of the drug may be used forarthritisorlow back pain.

Opioids work by blocking pain signals between the brain and the body. In addition to controlling pain, opioids can be addictive due to their effect on making people feel relaxed, happy, or high.

Some of the most used opioids include:

• Prescription opioids
  • OxyContinandVicodin
  • Fentanyl(a synthetic opioid)
  • Morphine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Tramadol
  • Methadone
• Heroin(an illegal drug)

Regular and long-term use of these prescription opioids can increase tolerance and dependence, requiring higher and more frequent doses. In some cases, this can even lead to addiction or opioid use disorder.

Other potential medical risks include:

• Limited ability to breathe (respiratorydepression)
• Decrease inheartrate andblood pressure
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Memory problems
• Seriousfractures
• Breathingdifficulty duringsleep
• Hyperalgesia
• Immunosuppression
• Chronicconstipation
• Bowel obstruction
• Myocardial infarction
• Tooth decaysecondary toxerostomia
• Hallucinations

Opioids can be either short-acting or long-acting:

• Short-acting:Prescribed for pain that lasts only a few days
  • Takes 15-30 minutes to start working
  • Effect lasts for 3-4 hours
  • Examples includeacetaminophenoribuprofen
• Long-acting:Often called rescue medication and used for severe pain
  • Takes a little longer to work
  • Provides steady pain relief for 8-12 hours

Depending on the need, opioids can be administered in the following forms:

• Oral pill or liquid
• Nasal spray
• Skin patch
• Dissolvable pills under the tongue
• Suppository
• Intravenous (shot into a vein)
• Intramuscular (shot into a muscle)
• Epidural (shot into the space surrounding the spinal cord)
• Implanted pump

一些过量或overmedication inc .的迹象lude:

• Inability to stay awake or difficulty waking fromsleep
• Excessive drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Stumbling whilewalking
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Trouble breathing, including slow, shallow breathing
• Limpness, lifelessness
• Pale or clammy skin
• Blue fingernailsor lips
• Slow heartbeat leading to death (rare)

Although all medications should be taken with caution, extra care is required when taking opioids:

• Take the medication exactly as prescribed
• Do not take extra doses
• Do not break, chew, crush, or dissolve pills
• Store opioids in a safe place, away from the reach of children
• Dispose of unused medication properly
• Avoid driving or using machinery while on opiods
• Contact your doctor if you experience any side effects