When people look to their physicians for help with pain, they are often concerned that relief can come only with the burden of unwanted side effects. And it is true that prescription medications like opioids (narcotics) commonly cause constipation, nausea and vomiting, sedation, and confusion, as well as respiratory depression (abnormal slowing of breathing) in a number of cases.
But with careful attention, these side effects are almost always treatable. Some, like sleepiness or nausea, usually last only a few days as the body becomes adjusted to the medication; and it should be noted that this adjustment occurs without reducing the medication's pain-relieving effect. It is also possible to use other treatments, including additional medications, to relieve certain side effects. Additionally, a change in dosage may eliminate side effects while maintaining a medication's effectiveness against pain. And when side effects persist, using a different opioid or another type of medication for pain might be the answer.
It is important for patients and their families to report all side effects. The healthcare team has many tools to address the problem of side effects, but first they have to know that the problem exists.