Opioids for pain have been in the news a lot recently because of reports of increasing dependence on these addictive medications. They are prescribed for severe or persistent pain.<\/p>\n
They are very effective at relieving pain but there is a risk of addiction when used long-term.<\/p>\n
Side effects include sleepiness, constipation and nausea.<\/p>\n
The most commonly prescribed opioid is codeine. Other opioids include tramadol, fentanyl, morphine, and heroin. Opioids are often prescribed as combined medications such as co-codamol which is paracetamol and codeine combined. This is so you get the benefits of both medications and can have a lower dose of codeine.<\/p>\n
Codeine is a medication used to treat pain and diarrhoea. It is not surprising therefore that a lot of people who take codeine for pain experience constipation.<\/p>\n
Opioids should only be taken under the supervision of your GP.<\/p>\n
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