Prescription painkillers are powerful medications for the treatment of pain associated with chronic diseases, such as cancer, or for treating acute pain due to surgical procedures or injuries. Most painkiller medications should be taken on a short-term basis, which is normally a week or less.
Opioids attach themselves to and activate opioid receptors found in cells located on the central nervous system (CNS) and digestive tract. They inhibit the transmission of pain signals from the nervous system to the brain, thus blocking the brain’s perception of pain. Taking opioids at a higher-than-prescribed dose can cause feelings of euphoria, but it also increases the risk of respiratory depression.
Regular or long-term use of opioid pain medications can lead to dependence, increased tolerance and, in some cases, addiction. In a given year, 16 million or 6 percent of Americans over the age of 12 abuse prescription medications. If the user develops an opioid addiction, stopping painkiller misuse can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. If you are worried about the possible negative side effects of opioid medication, there may be other pain management alternative treatment options for patients, so talk to a professional or specialist about your concerns.