The painkiller levorphanol is prescribed for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain. The medication, marketed in the United States as Levo-Dromoran, is a narcotic analgesic. Because of its opioid categorization, Levo-Dromoran can cause physical and mental dependence and addiction if taken for a long period, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients should also be aware of side effects that may be experienced with this medication.
Constipation
Narcotic analgesics such as Levo-Dromoran typically cause bowel disturbances such as constipation when initially starting treatment. This condition usually occurs because of an out-of-balance problem in the intestines in which too much liquid is removed from digesting materials. This lack of fluid causes stools to become hardened, which makes it difficult for them to pass through the intestines and out of the rectum. Cramps in the abdominal area usually accompany constipation. According to MedlinePlus, this condition is not serious unless it becomes severe or does not go away, in which case patients should consult their physicians.
Dizziness
Levo-Dromoran, like all narcotic analgesics, works directly in a person's central nervous system to affect how pain registers in the brain. This deadening of the pain response in the nervous system can produce side effects such as dizziness, stumbling or falling, states MedlinePlus. A person also may feel lightheaded or faint. MedlinePlus recommends a doctor consultation if these problems continue or if they cause severe discomfort.
Stomach Discomfort
Gastrointestinal symptoms are associated Levo-Dromoran. The narcotic painkiller may cause a person to experience nausea that, according to MedlinePlus, can become severe enough to induce vomiting. The medicine also can cause stomach pain. Drugs.com notes that these side effects are relatively common and not serious; however, if any stomach discomfort continues beyond the initial treatment phase with Levo-Dromoran, patients should discuss any stomach problems with their physicians.
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