Opiate Agonists

Recently Answered

• QHow does tramadol treat fibromyalgia?

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  A Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Tramadol (Conzip, Ultram) is a weak narcotic pain medication. It is sometimes prescribed for people with fibromyalgia pain. It is less likely to cause dependence than stronger narcotics. Tramadol has been used and studied as a treatment for fibromyalgia, but is not FDA-approved for this use.
  
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• QWhat is Ultram ER?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Ultram ER is the extended-release, long-acting version of the prescription drug Ultram (tramadol). Ultram ER is used to manage moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults who need around-the-clock pain relief for an extended period of time. It is available in doses of 100, 200 and 300 milligrams (mg).
• QWhat is sufentanil?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Sufentanil is a potent pain reliever that is used to treat pain during surgery or while having a baby (labor and delivery). It acts in the brain to cause analgesia and unconsciousness. During surgery, it is used to produce general anesthesia, either alone or in combination with other anesthetic drugs, and is given through the vein.

  During labor and delivery it is usually combined with a local anesthetic and is administered into the epidural space. Sufentanil should only be given by health providers who are trained in its use and know how to deal with its potential side effects. Sufentanil is classified as an opioid analgesic (narcotic). It is supplied as a liquid solution containing water and sufentanil, and is available under the brand name Sufenta. Sufentanil can only be obtained with a prescription and is used primarily in hospitals.
  
  

• QWhat are the side effects of sufentanil?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  As with most medications, there are many possible side effects of sufentanil. The most common are anxiety, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty walking, constipation, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headaches and itching. Serious side effects, which are less common, include allergic reactions (marked by facial swelling, difficulty breathing, hives and a rash), hallucinations, muscle rigidity, weakness, seizures, slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, wheezing, difficulty with breathing and slow breathing. Breathing may potentially become dangerously slow or even stop. Because of this, the United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning that sufentanil should only be given by individuals trained to use intravenous and epidural anesthetics and those qualified to manage the respiratory effects of potent opioids. Consequently, whenever sufentanil is administered, a drug to counteract it (such as naloxone), resuscitation and intubation equipment and oxygen must be readily available for use.
  
  
• QHow does Revex interact with other medications?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Combining Revex (nalmefene) with flumazenil, nalbuphine and narcotic medicines for pain may result in an increased risk of side effects, including seizures and diminished effectiveness of the pain relief. Other medications may also interact with nalmefene. If possible, give your doctor a list of medications that you currently take before receiving nalmefene to minimize your risk of side effects.
  
  
• QWhat should I know about Revex before receiving it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  In order to make an informed treatment decision, the doctor administering this medication should also know if you have any of the following medical conditions: liver or kidney disease, heart disease for which you take medication or a history of narcotic addiction. The healthcare provider who will administer Revex to you neeeds to know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you do receive Revex, you will need to remain in the hospital long enough for doctors to determine that you have responded well to the nalmefene.
  
  
• QWhat is Kadian ER?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Kadian (morphine) is used in adults to manage moderate to severe long-term pain around the clock for an extended period of time. It's a narcotic (opioid) analgesic and works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Kadian is available only in an extended-release formulation.
• QWhat does the ER in Kadian ER mean?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The ER in Kadian ER indicates that it is an extended-release medication. Morphine, the active ingredient in this medication, is released slowly over 12 or 24 hours, depending on how it is prescribed. Kadian is meant to provide continuous relief of moderate to severe pain in adults who require around-the-clock pain treatment for an extended period of time.
• QWhat is the recommended dosage of Nubaine for chronic pain?

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  A MediGuard answered

  Nubain is indicated for treating moderate to severe pain and is typically administered under the guidance of a health care provided. A usual recommended adult dose is 10 mg for a 150 pound individual, administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. Dosage may need to be adjusted according to the severity of the pain, the health and physical status of the patient, and other medications which the patient may be currently taking. Your physician should be able to provide you additional professional guidance based on your specific case and need.
• QWhat are the side effects of Nubain?

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  A MediGuard answered

  Tachycardia, or fast heart beat, tremors or twitching, seizures, and heavy sweating and trouble breathing can all be side effects of Nubain. These are listed as allergic-type reactions. When you see your regular physician next, it would be best to describe your reaction so that it can be noted in your medical chart for future reference.