Treatments
Opioids
Opioids are prescribed to treat a variety of conditions including: chronic lower back pain, back pain, arthritis, cancer, kidney stones, complex regional pain syndrome, surgery, failed back surgery syndrome, and postoperative pain. Due to the side effects, risks, and complications of opioids they are best used to treat intense short-term pain.
Common side effects from taking opioids include: drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Additional adverse side effects include constipation, dry mouth, itching, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or confusion. More serious side effects can include: dependence, seizures, hallucinations, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, sexual dysfunction, urinary retention, addiction, and death. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800- FDA-1088.