Opioids

Opioids are narcotics. This means they work by linking to opioid receptors. These receptors are normally found within the human central nervous system as well as the gastrointestinal tract.

There are many classes of opioids:

• Natural opiates: These are alkaloids that contain the resin of flowers, namely the opium poppy. It is often found as morphine, thebaine, and codeine.
• Semi-synthetic opioids: These are created using natural opiates, like hydrocodone (Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), and oxymorphone (Opana).
• Fully synthetic opioids: Are found in drugs like fentanyl, methadone, as well as tramadol.
• Endogenous opioid peptides: These are made naturally within the body, and are known as endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins, and endomorphins.

Opioid Prescription

Opioids use has been common for pain relief for a long time. They are especially useful for treating acute pain and post-operative pain. In addition to this, opioids are useful in palliative care as a means to alleviate severe and chronic pain that can be disabling. It is also used in terminal conditions like cancer, as well as degenerative conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, opioids have been used more often for managing non-malignant types of chronic pain. Addiction is possible if the drug is used improperly.

Opioids Indications of Use:

• Opiods are used to treat moderate to severe types of pain. They are also used during certain types of surgery, in order to induce and maintain a certain level of anesthesia. They can also be used to reduce fear just prior to a surgery. Some common opioids include: Fentanyl, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, as well as morphine. When morphine is combined with other drugs such as alprazolam(Xanax) or other benzodiazepines it is often referred to as Milk of Amnesia by anesthesiologists and doctors.
• Long lasting cough syrup may contain codeine, hydromorphone or hydrocodone, with morphine as a last resort.
• Diarrhea treatments generally include loperamide, diphenoxylate or difenoxin.
• Anxiety attacks may be treated with oxymorphone.
• Opioid dependence can be treated with methadone or buprenorphine only.

Known Complications of Opioids

Nausea and vomiting: These are very common during the beginning of opioid use. For those who experience these issues, it can be controlled with nonprescription types of medication like Bonine, Dramamine, or Benadryl. Dizziness and Sleepiness: These, too, can be common side effects. For this reason, when taking opioids you should not operate machinery, drive, or consume alcohol. Constipation: This issue is nearly always present when taking opioids. This problem will exist for the length of time you are on opioids. If constipation becomes a severe problem, see your doctor as it can become dangerous if not treated. Addiction Issues: Unless you already have a problem with addiction, the use of opioids should not be a problem. This is only true as long as you take the medicine as prescribed. Respiratory Depression: This can be a dangerous complication during opioid therapy. It is known as respiratory depression. In order to avoid this problem your doctor may need to increase your opioid dosage very slowly. The condition most often presents itself when dosage levels are raised too quickly.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms, if any, will vary depending on drug; although most drugs within this class will present similar profiles. When your body is denied the drug, it tries to compensate, and this is when symptoms of withdrawal begin. These symptoms are commonly the opposite of the drugs effects. While opiates are known to cause constipation, withdrawal can cause diarrhea.

Learn more information about Opioids:

Opioids - Comprehensive overview of opioids and related info.
Opioids Products Chart - FDA provides infomation on Brand name and generic opioid products.
Opioid Dosing Guideline for Chronic Pain Washington State Agency Medical Directors' Group (AMDG) offers detailed information on opioids dosages.
Opioid drugs comparison including recommendations and a breakdown by price provided by Consumer Report.
Review on Opioid Analgesics offered by Oregon Health & Science University.