Examples
Hydrocodone is available as tablets, capsules, or syrups.
It is sometimes combined with other medicines such as acetaminophen or
ibuprofen.
Hydromorphone is available as an intramuscular (IM) injection, tablet, suppository, or oral liquid. It is sometimes combined with other medicines such as codeine, acetaminophen, or ASA.
Methadone is available as pills or as a liquid that you
swallow. It is also given as a shot.
Morphine is available as pills or as rectal suppositories.
It is also given as a shot or intravenously. Pills such as M-Eslon supply a
controlled release of morphine.
|
| oxycodone | OxyContin, Percocet |
Oxycodone is available as pills, controlled-release
tablets, or a liquid that you swallow. It is sometimes combined with
acetaminophen or ASA.
Narcotic drugs are also called narcotics, opiates,
or opioids.
How It Works
Narcotic painkillers act upon specific
receptors in the brain and spinal cord to ease pain and reduce your emotional
response to pain.
Why It Is Used
Narcotic painkillers are used to ease
pain caused by surgery, accident or injury, or chronic illness such as
cancer.
Methadone also is used to treat addiction to opiates, such
as heroin.
Hydrocodone also is used to control coughing.
How Well It Works
These drugs effectively manage
pain.1
As a treatment for opiate
addiction, methadone is effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Hydrocodone effectively controls cough.
Side Effects
Narcotic painkillers cause many side
effects, including:
- Drowsiness.
- Light-headedness.
- Weakness
and fatigue.
- Feelings of elation (euphoria).
- Dry
mouth.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Difficulty
breathing.
- Constipation, which may be severe.
- Talk to your doctor about using
laxatives to prevent constipation.
- You
can
prevent constipation at home. Make sure you drink
enough fluids. Most adults should drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water or
non-caffeinated beverages each day. Include fruits, vegetables, and fibre in
your diet each day.
- Skin reactions, such as irritation, itching, or
hives.
Narcotic drugs affect breathing and should be used with
caution by older adults and people who have lung disease, such as
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or
asthma. A narcotic can cause your body to expect the
drug daily. This is called drug dependency.
Dependency is not the same as addiction, which is a behavioural disorder marked
by craving a drug.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side
effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Narcotics may affect your balance,
coordination, and your ability to think. Do not drive or operate any type of
equipment if you are taking a narcotic painkiller.
Do not drink
alcohol or use other drugs while you are taking a narcotic painkiller.
Narcotics can interact with many other drugs. Make sure that your doctor
knows all the drugs you are taking.
Narcotics can also contain medicines like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil). If you are taking a narcotic, talk with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines. You want to be sure you don’t get too much acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Narcotics should be used with
caution after a head injury.
Narcotics should be used during
pregnancy only if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus.
These drugs can pass through your body in breast milk and should not be used
while you are breast-feeding.
Sometimes a narcotic painkiller is
combined with acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ASA. If that is true in
your case, do not take more acetaminophen or ASA unless your doctor tells
you to.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- National Cancer Institute (2009). Pain PDQ—Health Professional Version. Available online: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/pain/healthprofessional.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Michael Seth Rabin, MD - Medical Oncology |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Last Revised | February 1, 2010 |
|---|
