The nervous pathways that transport sudden, sharp pain and pleasure do develop significant tolerance to opioids. Using up pain medication too soon Many patients refuse to take all of their pain medication because they fear that their medication will not be effective with continued use. The truth is, opioids do not have a ceiling dosage where they cease to relieve increasing pain. 4 Fear of powerful side effects Patients are afraid that if they take opioids to relieve their pain they will experience powerful side effects. This, however, is not the case.
Patients can take increasing doses of opioids, as pain persists, without severe side effects.
5 Of the side effects that do occur while taking appropriate amounts of opioids, constipation, nausea, and vomiting are the most severe. Nausea and vomiting usually subside after the first week of treatment. Constipation may continue further but can be treated with a laxative.