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Treatments For Pain

Common Side Effects Associated With Pain Medications

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All medications have the potential to cause side effects, especially when taken over a long period of time. However many side effects resolve as your body adjusts to the medications. Working closely with your doctor, most side effects can be adequately managed.

Not everyone will experience side effects.

The following are the most common complaints associated with pain medications.

Constipation

Constipation is most commonly associated with the use of opioids.

Your doctor may recommend any of the following:

  • That you increase your fluid intake.
  • Eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables.
  • Use a laxative. (Stool softeners are generally not enough.)

For more information about constipation, click here.

Nausea and Vomiting

These symptoms are most common during the first day or two after starting a pain medication and then tend to become less severe. Your doctor can recommend a medicine to alleviate these symptoms. To learn how to cope with nausea and vomiting, click here.

Clumsiness

A certain loss of motor control function is most commonly associated with the use of opioids. It can affect your ability to concentrate, drive a car, operate machinery, or perform other similar functions.

Itching

Opioids can cause itching, particularly on the scalp, head and neck. For most people itching is just a mild annoyance that does not last long. It is most likely to occur when the dosage of your medication has been increased.

If it becomes a problem and continues for more than a few days, it may be necessary to change opiates.

To learn how to relieve itching, cilck here.

Sleepiness

Feeling drowsy, sleepy, or tired, is most commonly associated with opioids. These symptoms tend to become milder as your body adjusts to the medication, usually after a few days.

If sleepiness is a problem, non-opioid medications may help reduce the amount of opioid needed and reduce sleepiness. Other alternatives are stimulants or wake-promoting agents to help you stay awake during the day. Changing to a different pain medication or route of delivery may help.

Slowed breathing

Breathing is often affected by the use of opioids, and may be more likely to occur with an increase in dosage level.

If breathing is a concern for you, ask your doctor how to exercise your lungs.

Allergic Reaction

True allergic reactions to pain medications are rare. They are most likely to occur within a few hours of taking a medication.

Symptoms of allergic reaction may include:

  • Dizziness.
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
  • A red rash that sometimes resembles sunburn. (For information about what to do about skin rashes, click here

If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately contact your doctor, or if necessary, obtain emergency care.

Addiction is not a common side effect when pain medications are taken as prescribed for pain

There are likely to be withdrawal symptoms if an opioid is stopped abruptly. These symptoms such as sweats, nausea, fatigue and emotional difficulties can be avoided through gradual reduction in dosage.

Addiction is likely to occur if pain medications are abused. Follow your doctor's instructions.

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