Opioids - What Are They And What Do They Do?

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of using opioids can also include an increased tolerance to it, substance use disorder or dependence, liver damage, infertility in women, worsening pain also known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia, and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in infants born to addicted mothers. Even when opioids are prescribed by a physician for pain management and relief, some of the serious side effects include a physical dependence, substance use disorder, and the possibility for the patient to overdose. Individuals who end up dealing with an opioid dependence problem are likely to experience intense withdrawal symptoms when they lower their dosage quickly or suddenly stop using the medication. If a patient wants to lower their dosage, they should do so with the help of a healthcare provider.

Next, discover the various types of opioids that are used for pain relief.