What are the risks associated with opioid medications?
Like all medications, opioids have benefits and risks. Common side effects associated with opioids include nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, itching, dry mouth and constipation. Less common side effects include dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, urinary retention and dose-related respiratory depression. Abuse of opioid medications can have serious health consequences and may lead to addiction. When used as directed, opioid medications are considered effective and their side effects are generally manageable. Drowsiness and nausea, for example, are usually experienced at the beginning of opioid treatment and tend to improve within a few days. Medication to counter constipation may be recommended with long-term opioid treatment. Health care professionals, who are familiar with the medical history of an individual, along with the patient themselves, are best placed to determine the most appropriate treatment for an individual. Good patient/doctor communication is an essential r
