Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands...Read more
When it comes to managing chronic or severe pain, opiates are often prescribed as a solution. But what pain pills have opiates in them, and what are the risks associated with taking them? In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of pain medications that contain opiates, the potential side effects and risks, and alternative treatments available. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the medications you may be taking, and the safety precautions to take when considering an opiate-based pain reliever.
Opioids, also known as opiates, are drugs that are derived from opium and used to help relieve pain. Examples of pain pills containing opiates include oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco), morphine (Kadian, Avinza), and codeine. Many opioids are available only by prescription, and some are illegal.
What Pain Pills Contain Opiates?
Pain pills containing opiates are commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Opiates are drugs derived from the opium poppy plant and are highly effective in alleviating pain. In the United States, opiate-based painkillers are the mainstay of treatment for acute and chronic pain and are often prescribed by doctors. However, these drugs can be highly addictive and have serious side effects. It is important to understand the risks associated with opiate-based drugs and to discuss them with your doctor before taking them.
There are many different types of pain pills that contain opiates. The most commonly prescribed opiate-based medications are Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet, and Morphine. These drugs are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, back pain, arthritis, and cancer pain. They work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, allowing the person to experience relief from pain.
In addition to these commonly prescribed drugs, there are also several over-the-counter pain medications that contain opiates. These drugs are usually found in combination drugs such as Tylenol 3 and Excedrin PM. While these over-the-counter drugs are generally considered less potent than prescription opiates, they can still be addictive and have serious side effects.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is a combination of the opioid hydrocodone and the pain reliever acetaminophen. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is one of the most commonly prescribed opiate-based pain medications in the United States. While Vicodin can be highly effective in relieving pain, it has a high risk of addiction and abuse. It is important to discuss the risks of taking Vicodin with your doctor before starting this medication.
Vicodin comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms and is usually taken orally. The effects of Vicodin can last for up to six hours and can be felt within 30 minutes of taking the medication. Side effects of Vicodin include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dizziness.
What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is a brand name for the opioid oxycodone. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is one of the most commonly prescribed opiate-based pain medications in the United States. While OxyContin can be highly effective in relieving pain, it has a high risk of addiction and abuse. It is important to discuss the risks of taking OxyContin with your doctor before starting this medication.
OxyContin comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms and is usually taken orally. The effects of OxyContin can last for up to 12 hours and can be felt within 30 minutes of taking the medication. Side effects of OxyContin include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dizziness.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a combination of the opioid oxycodone and the pain reliever acetaminophen. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is one of the most commonly prescribed opiate-based pain medications in the United States. While Percocet can be highly effective in relieving pain, it has a high risk of addiction and abuse. It is important to discuss the risks of taking Percocet with your doctor before starting this medication.
Percocet comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms and is usually taken orally. The effects of Percocet can last for up to six hours and can be felt within 30 minutes of taking the medication. Side effects of Percocet include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dizziness.
What is Morphine?
Morphine is an opioid drug that is used to treat severe pain. It is one of the most commonly prescribed opiate-based medications in the United States and is often used to treat chronic pain, such as cancer pain, as well as acute pain. Morphine is a narcotic drug and has a high potential for addiction and abuse. It is important to discuss the risks of taking morphine with your doctor before starting this medication.
Morphine comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms and is usually taken orally. The effects of morphine can last for up to eight hours and can be felt within 30 minutes of taking the medication. Side effects of morphine include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dizziness.
What are the Risks of Taking Opiate-Based Pain Medications?
Opiate-based pain medications can be highly effective in treating moderate to severe pain, but they also have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Taking opiate-based drugs for a long period of time can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Additionally, taking opiates can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dizziness.
It is important to discuss the risks of taking opiate-based medications with your doctor before starting this medication. It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication and to never take more than the prescribed dose. Taking too much of an opiate-based drug can cause an overdose, which can be fatal.
Where to Find More Information
If you have questions about opiate-based medications, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can provide you with more information about the risks and benefits of taking opiate-based drugs. Additionally, there are many online resources available to provide more information about opiate-based medications, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Talk to Your Doctor
It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any opiate-based medications. Your doctor can provide you with information about the risks associated with taking opiate-based drugs, as well as the benefits. Additionally, your doctor can provide you with advice on how to take these medications safely.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
If you are prescribed an opiate-based medication, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication. It is important to never take more than the prescribed dose and to never take the medication for longer than recommended. Additionally, it is important to never mix opiate-based drugs with alcohol or other drugs.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
What are Opiates?
Opiates are a class of drugs derived from the poppy plant. They are used to treat pain, but can also be highly addictive. Opiates work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and altering the way the brain perceives and responds to pain. Common examples of opiates include codeine, heroin, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone.
What Pain Pills Have Opiates in Them?
Common types of pain medications that contain opiates include codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, and oxycodone. These medications are usually prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain that cannot be managed with non-opioid medications. Opioids can be found in both prescription and over-the-counter medications, so it is important to read the label of any medication to make sure it does not contain opiates.
Are All Pain Pills Opiates?
No, not all pain pills are opiates. Non-opioid medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be used to treat mild to moderate pain. Opioids should only be used for severe pain that cannot be managed with non-opioid medications.
What Are the Side Effects of Opiates?
The side effects of opiates can vary depending on the type of medication and the dose taken. Common side effects of opiates include constipation, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may also experience confusion, dizziness, and itching. Long-term use of opiates can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Are Opiates Safe?
Opioids can be safe when used as directed by a doctor. However, they can be dangerous if they are taken in higher doses than prescribed or if they are taken without a doctor’s supervision. Opioids can cause physical and psychological dependence, and can lead to overdose or death if misused.
What Should I Do if I Take an Opioid?
If you take an opioid, it is important to follow the directions provided by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose and do not take the medication for longer than prescribed. It is also important to talk to your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
In conclusion, it is important to understand what type of pain pills have opiates in them before taking them. This knowledge can help ensure that you are taking the most effective medication for your condition with the fewest side effects. Furthermore, being aware of the potential risks associated with opiates can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands the complex needs of those struggling with addiction and utilizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to address them. He is well-versed in traditional and innovative therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions.
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