Benefits, Side Effects and Risks of Taking Opioid Medications

Opioids are strong medications. They are usually used to manage acute pain for only a few days.

Opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, codeine and tramadol. You may hear opioids referred to as narcotics, pain killers or controlled substances.

Sometimes, opioids are prescribed for longer periods of time for people who have cancer or those who receive end-of-life care.

Not everyone is prescribed an opioid for pain. Your health care team works with you to find ways to manage pain. If you are prescribed an opioid, be aware of the benefits of taking them as well as their risk of side effects and complications.

Benefits may include:

• Helping you manage acute pain so you can take part in normal, daily activities while you recover. Taken properly, opioids can be an effective part of your pain management plan.

Side effects may include:

• Constipation, which is the most common side effect. You may need to follow certain steps to keep that from happening. This includes taking a stool softener or a laxative. If you are prescribed an opioid, ask your health care provider what you can do to prevent opioid-related constipation.
• Upset stomach, difficulty sleeping, sexual problems, itching, irritability, confusion, and dizziness.

Complications may include:

• Drug-interaction problems. To prevent these:
  • Do not take medication that can make you sleepy at the same time that you take opioids. Do so only if a health care provider tells you to. Examples of medications that can make you sleepy include sleep aids, some anti-anxiety medications, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants.
  • Ask your health care provider or a pharmacist whether the opioid you take also has an over-the-counter medication in it. Knowing this can keep you from taking too much of any one medication.
• Addiction. Before you take an opioid, talk with your health care provider about how and when to stop taking it. If you take opioids for acute pain, your plan to stop likely will include weaning yourself off the opioid as soon as possible.
• Life-threatening breathing problems. Taking opioids at the same time as certain other medications can lead to life-threatening breathing problems. The risk is even greater if you have heart or lung problems.

Safe use of opioids at home

• Do not drive while you take opioids.
• Keep all opioids in a safe place. Keep them out of reach of children, vulnerable adults and pets.
• Never give away or sell opioids. This is illegal and dangerous.
• When you are done taking an opioid, you may have some pills left. To help prevent opioid abuse and protect the environment, ask your health care provider how to safely dispose of the extra pills.

If you have questions or concerns about taking opioid medication, talk to your health care provider.

This material is for your education and information only. This content does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. New medical research may change this information. If you have questions about a medical condition, always talk with your health care provider.