There are very severe side effects and symptoms that are a result of opiate use, which include nausea, fatigue, anxiety, muscle spasms, and irritability. While most patients are aware of potential side effects, many are rarely warned of the severe long-term effects opiates can have on their bodies. Patients who are recovering from surgery or are experiencing minor pain can be prescribed opiates for either short or long-term use, and when taken exactly as prescribed opiates can be used to manage pain effectively. However, most chronic pain patients must find a long-term solution for their pain, which is usually a treatment program that includes opiate painkillers like Oxycontin and hydrocodone. A major concern for chronic long-term opiate use is increased tolerance of the drugs. Opiate tolerance occurs when the body becomes familiar with having a drug or substance in the system over a period of time. As a tolerance develops, the body craves a higher dosage of medication in order to achieve the same pain relief. |
