Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Tylenol 3 | acetaminophen and codeine |
| Lortab, Norco, Panlor, Vicodin | acetaminophen and hydrocodone |
| Percocet | acetaminophen and oxycodone |
| Darvocet-N | acetaminophen and propoxyphene |
| Percodan | aspirin and oxycodone |
| codeine sulfate | |
| Actiq | fentanyl |
| Dolophine, Methadose | methadone |
| Avinza, MS Contin, Oramorph SR | morphine |
| OxyContin, Percolone | oxycodone |
How It Works
Opiates relieve pain by altering the way your body feels pain and the way you feel about pain.
Why It Is Used
Opiates are reserved for the treatment of severe short-term (acute) back or leg pain.
Because opiates are potentially addictive, they are usually prescribed only for 1 to 2 weeks.
How Well It Works
Opiates can effectively relieve severe, acute symptoms, though sometimes the amount of medicine you need for relief causes side effects that make daily functioning difficult.
Small, randomly controlled studies have found no significant difference between NSAIDs and an opiate for treating acute low back pain.1 Further study is necessary.
For treatment of chronic pain, the use of opiates is controversial.2 Opiate pain relievers for low back pain should only be administered by health professionals with experience in chronic pain management. There is a significant potential for addiction and other complications from prolonged use of this type of medication.
Side Effects
Side effects from opiate pain relievers for low back pain may include:
- Confusion (especially in older adults).
- Drowsiness.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Decreased urination.
- Impaired breathing.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Opiates are not intended for use until all pain goes away. They are intended to be used only for a few days to get you through the most severe pain.
You may become physically dependent on opiates if you take them regularly. Physical dependence is not addiction, but rather a gradual change in your body in response to the opiates. If you stop taking opiates abruptly, you may develop nausea, sweating, chills, diarrhea, and shaking. The physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening. You can avoid withdrawal symptoms if you gradually stop taking the opiates over a set period of time, as prescribed by your health professional.
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Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Author | Lila Havens |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Katy E. Magee, MA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kathie Hummel-Berry, PT, PhD - Physical Therapy |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics |
| Last Updated | February 15, 2006 |
Lila Havens
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