What are the side effects of narcotic medications?

Grant Cooper, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Prescription narcotic medication are potent painkillers, but they have major side effects, including drowsiness and constipation. Respiratory depression and a potential for abuse are also potentially serious complications.

More About this Book

The Arthritis Handbook: Improve Your Health and Manage the Pain of Osteoarthritis (A DiaMedica Guide to Optimum Wellness)

According to conventional wisdom, arthritis pain is an inevitable part of aging. Not so, says Dr. Grant Cooper in this practical, accessible guide. For those who do develop osteoarthritic conditions,...

Continue Learning about Pain Treatment

Is Your OTC Pain Reliever Making You Heartless?

The ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is at the heart of the Sandra Bullock/Quinton Aaron film The Blind Side, based on the true story o...

Aurora Health Care

The following are suggestions for reducing breast pain if you have a normal mammogram: Wear a su...

Devi E. Nampiaparampil, MD

Taking an X-ray enables the doctor to pinpoint exactly where to inject pain medication without makin...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pain Treatment

Pain treatment varies depending on the severity of an injury or cause of the pain. Analgesics, or pain relievers, may be your first step. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin can treat mild to moderate pain. Stronger pain medication may be prescribed after surgery or more severe injuries. For chronic pain that persists, your doctor can help determine the best course of treatment or give you a referral for a pain specialist. Learn more about treating pain with expert advice from Sharecare.

Learn More