Avinza is one of many brand names for the opioid analgesic called morphine. Morphine was first synthesized from the opium poppy by Friedrich Serturner in 1803. Morphine came into prominence in the medical community during the American Civil War to help kill pain from wounds and amputations, Spiritus-Temporis.com states. Today, the medication primarily helps people in moderate to severe pain for a limited time. Using any opioid for a long period can cause addiction, MayoClinic.com notes.
Intestinal Trouble
The use of Avinza as a pain killer can induce problems in the person's intestinal tract. The medication can produce constipation in which stools move slowly and with difficulty through the intestines and out the rectum, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, indicates. Conversely, the medication also can produce loose stools or diarrhea. Both of these side effects of Avinza classify as non-serious. Doctors expect them to occur, but they also expect diarrhea or constipation to end without medical help. If the conditions persist, or if they manifest in a severe form, MedlinePlus recommends telling the physician about them.
Euphoria
Like all opioid medications, Avinza can produce euphoria. This means the person may feel everything is fine, even when it is not. Euphoria is defined as a condition in which the person falsely believes he is in good health and happy. This sense of euphoria too should go away on its own, MayoClinic.com reports.
Lightheadedness and Dizziness
Avinza functions directly in the central nervous system to change how the brain perceives pain. Opioids essentially deaden pain in this way. The medication, however, does not limit itself to suppressing pain. It can produce other effects in the brain such as lightheadedness or feeling faint, a condition called syncope. The medication also can make the person experience a whirling sense of motion called dizziness. Both of these side effects should be temporary, Drugs.com indicates. They also should feel mild, but dizziness and lightheadedness can disorient a person, making her fall or stumble. If the conditions feel severe, the person should contact the doctor.
Mental Difficulties
Using Avinza also can cause temporary and non-serious mental problems. The opiate medication can cause the person to feel confused about simple things. It also can cause agitation and nervousness. It may make the person have changing moods during its use, too. MedlinePlus indicates these side effects of morphine tend to stop on their own.
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