Do not stop your pain medication without first consulting your physician or nurse. The following list explains expected side effects and how to minimize them. After taking your medication for 3-10 days, these side effects usually subside as your body gets used to the medication. If your sleepiness does not get better after 7-10 days, contact your physician so that he or she can prescribe a medication to help counter the sedating effect of the narcotics. If, at any time, you become very confused or very sleepy, contact your physician immediately.
Narcotics frequently cause loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting.
Again, these symptoms usually go away after 3-10 days when the body gets used to the medication. During that period of time, your physician can provide you with an anti-nausea medication to help control these side effects. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting after starting your pain medication, contact your physician immediately. Narcotics can cause severe constipation. Unlike the other side effects caused by narcotics, constipation does not go away over time.