Search Knowledgebase
Opiate Pain Relievers for Low Back Pain
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| hydrocodone | Norco, Vicodin |
| hydromorphone | Dilaudid, Exalgo |
| morphine | Astramorph, Avinza |
| oxycodone | OxyContin, Percocet |
| tramadol | Ryzolt, Ultram |
Opiates are also called opioids or narcotics.
Opiates are sometimes combined with other medicines. For example, Percocet is oxycodone combined with acetaminophen.
How It Works
Opiate pain relievers suppress your perception of pain and calm your emotional response to pain. These drugs reduce not only the number of pain signals sent by the nervous system but also the brain's reaction to those pain signals.
Why It Is Used
Opiates are usually reserved for the treatment of severe short-term (acute) back or leg pain that has not responded to other medicines. Because opiates are potentially addictive, they are usually prescribed only for 1 to 2 weeks.
Sometimes opiates are used for people who cannot take pain medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they have conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver problems. Or opiates may be used for people who take other medicines that should not be combined with pain medicines.
How Well It Works
There is no clear evidence that opiates help either acute or chronic low back pain more than other treatments.1, 2 They seem to help some people, but sometimes the amount of medicine you need for relief causes side effects that make daily functioning difficult. Further study is needed.
Opiate pain relievers for chronic low back pain should only be administered by health professionals with experience in chronic pain management. There is a significant potential for addiction and other complications from prolonged use of this type of medicine.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of an overdose, including:
- Cold, clammy skin.
- Confusion.
- Severe nervousness or restlessness.
- Severe dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness.
- Slow breathing.
- Seizures.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
- A fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.
- Increased sweating.
- Redness or flushing of the face.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Constipation.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint.
- Drowsiness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Opiate pain relievers are strong medicines that can be very helpful in treating pain, especially after an injury or surgery. They are safest when you use them exactly as your doctor prescribes. But there is a risk of addiction when you take them for more than a few days. The risk is lower if you follow your doctor's instructions on how to take them. Your risk is slightly higher if you or someone in your family has a history of substance abuse. If you are worried about addiction, talk with your doctor.
Some of these medicines have acetaminophen in them. Check the labels on all the other nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. Many medicines have acetaminophen. Do not take two or more medicines with acetaminophen in them unless your doctor has told you to. Taking too much acetaminophen can be harmful. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Opiates may be considered if other medicines and treatments have not controlled pain or are not safe for you. To make this decision, you and your doctor may consider:
- Your risks from taking other medicines such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Your risk of becoming dependent on opiates.
- The risk of opiates making you drowsy.
- How much opiates might relieve your pain.
Dry mouth is common with these medicines. To help with dry mouth, you can chew sugarless gum, suck on sugarless candy, or melt ice in your mouth. If you continue to have problems with dry mouth after a couple of weeks, call your doctor. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Last Revised: February 5, 2013
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.