Are there any other problems associated with opioid use?
A. Opioids may often cause side effects such as: drowsiness and confusion, weakness and loss of balance, difficulty with passing urine, nausea and constipation. Fortunately, for the majority of patients, these are usually short-lived but constipation may be a long-term problem. Treatment with opioids usually begins with a one-two week trial to assess you response to the drug and how well you can tolerate it. In some cases, side-effects you experience with one medication may be diminished by switching to another opioid You can also find some answers regarding opioid (Morphine like) pain killers on the British Pain Society website http://www.britishpainsociety.org/book_opioid_patient.
A. Opioids may often cause side effects such as: drowsiness and confusion, weakness and loss of balance, difficulty with passing urine, nausea and constipation. Fortunately, for the majority of patients, these are usually short-lived but constipation may be a long-term problem. Treatment with opioids usually begins with a one-two week trial to assess you response to the drug and how well you can tolerate it.
