Like most medications, opioids work differently for everyone.
Opioids can have profound effects when not taken as prescribed.
Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best medication for your pain.
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This article explores what opioid medication is, types of opioids, and side effects.
It also discusses non-opioid alternatives and how your healthcare provider will determine the right choice for you.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are ananalgesic, or medication used to control pain sensations.
Because they are classified as narcotics, they are available by prescription only.
The underlying cause of chronic pain is an essential factor, as well as individual variability.
These include:
Opioid use may be considered when non-opioid analgesics have failed to provide pain relief.
If these analgesics are not effective against your chronic pain, your healthcare provider may consider something stronger.
Opioids vary in strength, and some may be combined with otherpain medicines.
Those with opioid dependence experiencewithdrawal symptomswhen their opioid medication is discontinued.
Those who develop opioid use disorder use their medication in ways other than prescribed.
This can sometimes lead to people turning to heroin, which produces similar effects but is often less expensive.
What Kind of Opioid Will Your Healthcare Provider Prescribe?
Thetype of opioid you are prescribed will depend on the pop in and quality of your pain.
Or, he may try you on an opioid that is mixed with aspirin or acetaminophen.
If your pain is more severe, you may be given something stronger, such as oxycodone.
Your healthcare provider may try both short-acting and long-acting forms to see what works best for your pain.
He may also combine stronger opioids with other analgesics, depending on your needs.
Summary
Chronic pain can be a complex condition to manage.
It is essential to realize that opioid use, especially long-term, carries the risk of overuse and dependence.
A healthcare provider should monitor the use of opioids carefully.
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