OPIOIDS

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant and that work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including the relief of pain with many of these drugs.

It can be prescription medications often referred to as painkillers, or they can be so-called street drugs, such as heroin.

Opioids by Name

They are sometimes referred to as narcotics and although they do relieve pain

They do not fall into the same category as over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and Tylenol.

The most commonly used opioids are:
prescription opd, such as OxyContin and Vicodin

Using Opioids

Opioid use does not come without risks.

Regular use of these prescribed medications can increase your tolerance and dependence, requiring higher and more frequent doses.

In some cases longer term use can lead to addiction (or what doctors will call “opioid use disorder”).

In addition, opd can restrict your ability to breathe when taken at a higher dose, and when misused, can lead to a fatal overdose.

The risk of respiratory depression (slowing or even stopping your breathing).

Increases if you have never taken an opd before or if you are taking other medications/drugs that interact with the opd.

Opd, which can interact with diseases, too, should only be used if needed for pain, including if alternatives for pain control are not effective.

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