Safe Use of Long-Acting Opiates

Topic Overview

Long-acting opiate pain relievers are medicines used to relieve moderate to severe long-term pain. They are also called extended-release opiates. Opiates relieve pain by changing the way your body feels pain. They don't cure a health problem, but they help you manage the pain.

If you take a lot of short-acting medicine, your doctor may give you long-acting opiates. Long-acting opiates help you avoid the ups and downs in pain relief that you may have with short-acting medicine.

Opiates are powerful medicines. When taken on schedule and as your doctor prescribes, they work well and are safe. But misuse can cause overdose, dependency, addiction, or death.

Examples of long-acting opiates

• Morphine ER (Avinza)
• Fentanyl patch (Duragesic)
• Methadone (Dolophine)
• Oxycodone controlled-release (OxyContin)

Safety tips when using long-acting opiates

To avoid taking too much (overdose) of these medicines:

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Do not take extra doses. Even one extra dose can be dangerous. Taking too much of these medicines can cause death.
• Be sure to contact your doctor if you miss a dose of your medicine and aren't sure what to do. Do not double your dose.
• Do not break, crush, or chew a pill. Do not cut or tear a patch.

To use long-acting opiates safely:

• Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you can think clearly. Opiates may affect your judgment and decision making. Talk with your doctor about when it is safe to drive.
• Keep your medicine in a safe and secure place away from children and pets.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you use any other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines.
  • Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you take.
  • Taking opiates with other medicines that make you sleepy or relaxed (sedatives) can be dangerous.

Possible side effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. You may:

• Feel confused or have a hard time thinking clearly.
• Be constipated.
• Feel faint, dizzy, or lightheaded.
• Be short of breath.
• Feel drowsy.
• Feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
• Have an allergic reaction.

Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.

What to know about taking this medicine

• When you take opiates regularly, your body gets used to them. This is called dependency. Dependency is not addiction. If you are dependent on an opiate, you may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. These include nausea, sweating, chills, diarrhea, and shaking. You can avoid these symptoms if you gradually stop taking the opiate over a set period of time, as guided by your doctor.
• You have a small chance of getting addicted to opiates. Your risk is greater if you have a history of substance abuse.
• Ask for written instructions from your doctor or pharmacist about how to safely get rid of any medicine that's left over.
• Call your doctor if the dose you are taking doesn't control your pain.

Related Information

• Chronic Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Pain Management

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