Prescription pain killers, also called analgesics, are widely prescribed to treat chronic pain. Opium alkaloids, semi-synthetic opioids and fully synthetic opioids are widely prescribed classes of prescription pain medicines. According to an article titled "Review of 10 Most Used Pain Killers" at SteadyHealth.com, oxycodone, codeine and fentanyl are among the most popular prescription pain killers.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is similar in structure to codeine and morphine and is synthesized from thebaine, a drug derived from opium. Oxycodone, alone and in combination with acetaminophen or other analgesics, is effective on moderately severe and severe short-term pain, such as for after surgery, and long-term chronic pain, such as for low back pain, osteoarthritis, diabetic neuropathy and cancer, according to research published in 2005 in the Journal of the Italian National Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care. The research also found that oxycodone had a similar effectiveness to oral morphine in treating patients with cancer pain.
Codeine
According to IMS Health, there were 211 million prescriptions of codeine and combinations of codeine with other drugs dispensed in the United States in 2009, making it the most prescribed type of prescription pain killer, and second-leading category of prescription medicine overall. Codeine is an opium alkaloid that is similar in structure to morphine. According to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, codeine is used to treat mild to moderate pain. Codeine works by changing the way the body senses pain. Codeine is available in combination with other analgesics, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. Codeine prescription pain killers are available in a tablet or capsule and usually taken every four to six hours. Users can become addicted to codeine, especially in higher dosages. Side effects from codeine include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, drowsiness, mood changes, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Codeine can also cause an irregular heartbeat and seizures. Symptoms of overdose includes difficulty breathing or swallowing, excessive drowsiness, loss of consciousness and cold skin.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a fully synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain, pain after surgery and in people who are tolerant to opiates and opioids. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl is a schedule 2 narcotic that is similar to but more potent than morphine. Fentanyl binds to the body's opiate receptors in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions, and increases dopamine levels that in turn produce a state of euphoria and relaxation. Fentanyl is administered by injection or transdermal patch. Side effects from fentanyl include euphoria, constipation, drowsiness, reduced breathing, unconsciousness and coma. Users can become tolerant to the drug, requiring higher doses. Fentanyl can be addictive, and there is a risk for abuse and fatal overdose.
References
- Steady Health: Review of 10 Most Used Pain Killers
- "Minerva Anestesiologica"; Oxycodone. Pharmacological Profile and Clinical Data in Chronic Pain Management; Coluzzi, F.; July-Aug. 2005
- IMS Health: Top Therapeutic Classes by U.S. Dispensed Prescriptions
- American Society of Health System Pharmacists: Codeine
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Fentanyl
