POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 87 Analgesics are medications that relieve pain. Some analgesics, like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are available over-the-counter. There are also prescription analgesics, which are only available when prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional to treat a particular medical condition. One analgesic you may be familiar with is aspirin. It is an over-the-counter pain reliever. It temporarily relieves minor aches and pains. People may use it for a variety of things like headaches, muscular aches, backache, arthritis or to help reduce fever. WHAT ARE OPIOID ANALGESICS USED FOR? The analgesics that are most effective at reducing moderate to severe pain are called opioids. Opioids are similar to the chemicals found in opium, which is produced naturally in the poppy plant. Opioid analgesics include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, and oxycodone. Opioids and some other prescription medications have known effects and side effects. Three of these effects occur normally even when these medications are taken properly. Tolerance and physical dependence, for example, can develop in people taking these medications. If the medication is reduced or stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can be experienced. HOW DO OPIOID ANALGESICS WORK? Opioids work by attaching to receptors that are located on cells, many of which are in the brain. These receptors alter the way cells function. Once opioids attach to a receptor, pain messages are reduced and the feeling of pain is decreased. When opioids are used properly, under the care of your doctor or other healthcare professional, they are usually effective at relieving pain. They may cause side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, itching, headache, dry-mouth, sweating, weakness, and constipation. When opioids are misused or abused, in addition to side effects, they can cause more serious problems such as extremely slow breathing and death. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF OPIOID ANALGESICS? Not everyone reacts the same way to medications. If a prescription opioid is prescribed to you, you may experience one or more side effects, or, none at all. Even if you follow your doctor’s or other healthcare professional's directions, opioids can cause drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, itching, headache, dry-mouth, sweating, weakness, and constipation. The most serious side effect is difficulty breathing, which can lead to death. Your doctor or other healthcare professional needs to know if your medication is causing side effects. He or she may be able to change the dosage or switch you to a different medicine that will treat the condition without causing the discomfort of side effects. ANALGESIC MISUSE WHAT IS MISUSE OF PRESCRIPTION OPIOID ANALGESICS? Many people are surprised to find out they're misusing prescription medications without realizing it — and without understanding how dangerous the consequences can be. They may take a little more than prescribed — or a little less. They may use an old prescription for a new condition — not realizing it's misuse — but it is. And it's important to understand that any misuse can turn a safe prescription medication into a dangerous drug. Most people who need to take prescription opioid analgesics use them properly and get relief from pain. The reason these medications work so well is that they are very powerful — which is why they're only available with a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional. Doctors and healthcare professionals are experts on medications. The type of pain you're experiencing along with your medical history helps him or her choose the type of analgesic and dosage to get the About Analgesics (continued...)
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