Narcotic pain medications are a valuable resource in treating pain, but they do not come without side effects. The side effects of taking pain medications can vary in intensity from mild to severe, and should be discussed with your doctor when they appear. Some side effects, including prolonged constipation, can be life-threatening if not treated. The side effects you experience will also depend upon the amount and type of medication, as well as the frequency of use.
Cognitive Side Effects
Confusion can occur while taking pain medications, especially in the elderly. In addition, narcotics can cause drowsiness or difficulty in concentrating. Do not drive or use machinery until you know the effect of the pain medication on your system. These side effects will usually diminish over time. If they do not, or you start to feel depressed while on the medication, report these side effects to your physician.
Appetite and Bowels
Nausea is a common side effect of most prescription narcotics. The medications can be difficult to digest, and can cause irritation throughout your gastrointestinal tract. When you vomit, you may be expel the pain medication and subsequently not get any pain relief. Notify your physician so that a medication can be prescribed to help ease your nausea. Pain medications slow down your bowel motility; constipation is a common side effect of any narcotic. Keep note of your bowel movements, increase your fluid intake and notify your physician if you have not moved your bowels in a day or two.
Tolerance and Dependence
You will only develop tolerance after using a narcotic for an extended period of time. This is a natural effect of your body essentially gaining immunity to the effects of the drug. Notify your physician so that an alternate pain medication can be prescribed, if needed. Dependence is a physical need to have the pain medication. Dependence is not the same as an addiction, and will pass once you are done taking the medication. However, do not suddenly stop taking the medication--make sure to talk to your physician about how to wean yourself off the medication safely.
Urinary Difficulty
Urinary hesitation is more common in men, but can affect either gender while using pain medications. Hesitation means that it is either difficult to start your urine flowing, keep it flowing, or the urine flow is decreased and difficult to pass. This can lead to urinary tract infections and additional stress on your kidneys; notify your physician immediately if you are having urinary problems while on narcotic pain medications.
Adverse Skin Effects
Many pain medications evoke skin itchiness and dryness. This is an uncomfortable, but not life-threatening side effect. If the itching is severe, or is accompanied by welts or hives, it needs to be reported to your doctor immediately as a potential adverse reaction rather than a side effect.
Respiratory Depression
The impact that some pain medications have on your lungs is by far the most dangerous potential side effect. Narcotic pain medications slow down your central nervous system, which in turn slows down your breathing rate. This respiratory depression can exceed healthful limits and set you up for a life-threatening situation. However, if used as prescribed, most pain medications taken at home will not have this side effect. Respiratory depression is more commonly seen in the pain medicines used in a hospital, where you have a medical team watching over you.
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