What are Opioids and what are the side effects?

Opioids are prescribed medications for short term, or acute, pain relief. Opioids are narcotic medications that may consist of semi-synthetic, synthetic, or natural opiates. Some of the most common opioids include Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone and Fentanyl.  Endogenous opioids are naturally produced in the body, and contain substances such as endorphins, which are responsible to fight pain in the body.

Opioids work by binding specific proteins within the body in order to inhibit the brain’s ability to perceive pain. Instead, opioids enhance the pleasure points of the pain, and thus induce euphoria.

Opioids are useful in severe pain treatment, and do not cause internal bleeding in the stomach or any other part of the body as do a number of other pain relievers. If it is used for a short period of time, opioids can be prevented from becoming an addiction for the person.

There are a number of side-effects associated with opioids. These may include feeling of drowsiness or nausea. Constipation, itching, and breathing problems with a tendency of general depression in the respiratory system are also possible side-effects of opioids administration.  When taken for a long time, opioids may develop addiction in the user, and thus should be taken only with the prescription of a doctor.