Opiate Agonists

Recently Answered

• QWhat are side effects of opioid medication?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Travis M. Hendry, MD , Orthopedic Surgery, answered on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare

  Side effects of opioid medication can include:

  • Constipation, the most common side effect
  • Decreased breathing, the most serious side effect
  • Sleepiness, tiredness, and/or dizziness
  • Itching and/or sweating
  • Nausea, vomiting, and/or dry mouth
  • Slower reactions (physical and mental) that can reduce alertness or judgment
  • Depression, feeling generally "low," feeling "high," and/or seeing or hearing things that aren't there
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Low levels of testosterone (a hormone); low levels can result in lower sex drive, energy, strength, or bone mass
  • Altered taste, vision, heart rate, and/or blood pressure
  • Shaking and/or twitching
  • Becoming more sensitive to pain
• QHow often are opioids prescribed in the US?

  1 Answer

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  A The Society of Thoracic Surgeons answered

  The amount of opioid prescriptions in the US peaked in 2012 at more than 255 million and a prescribing rate of 81.3 prescriptions per 100 persons. The rates have decreased since, but despite these reductions, the amount of opioids prescribed remains high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2016, the total number of prescriptions dispensed in the US was more than 214 million, with a prescribing rate of 66.5 prescriptions per 100 persons. The generous prescribing habits of clinicians is particularly important, as CDC data also show that 40 percent of all US opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.

• QWhat should I tell my doctor before taking an opioid medication?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Travis M. Hendry, MD , Orthopedic Surgery, answered on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare

  Before you start taking an opioid medication, talk to your doctor and pharmacist. Follow these tips:

  • Tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Bring a list of the prescriptions, vitamins and herbal pills you take. This helps your doctor make sure your pain medication doesn't combine with your other medicines in a bad way.
  • Talk with your doctor about your goals for reducing your pain and functioning better. You and your doctor can make sure the medication is helping you meet these goals. If not, your doctor can try a different medication or strategy.
  • Talk with your doctor about your prescription. Ask questions. Be sure you understand what you're taking, why you're taking it and how to take it. Ask your doctor about the benefits, risks and alternatives.
• QShould opioids be prescribed for all types of pain?

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  A Dr. Devi E. Nampiaparampil, MD , Pain Medicine, answered

  

  Opioids can be very helpful for acute pain management in the short term, but there are some side effects that make prolonged use risky. Watch me discuss for what types of pain opioid medications are best.

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  Should Opioids be Prescribed for All Types of Pain?
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