Ive heard that the side effects of opioids are worse than the cancer pain they treat. Is this true?
Opioids have side effects that can be troubling, especially if a person taking them is not aware of likely side effects and has not been instructed on how they can be managed. Almost all people taking opioids will need to cope with constipation, for example, and it is recommended that a bowel regimen to fight constipation begin at the same time a person starts taking the drug, rather than waiting until constipation has become a fact of life. Other side effects, like drowsiness and mild nausea, usually fade away after a few days, but there are also solutions to these problems available if you are uncomfortable. Knowledge and preparation are the key. Ask your health care provider specifically for assistance in managing side effects of opioids.
