Opioids

Opioid medications are synthetic cousins of opium and the drugs derived from opium such as heroin and morphine. These medications are typically prescribed for pain that's new, known as acute pain. Acute pain can stem from an injury, such as surgery or a broken bone.

Opioids currently cause the most overdose deaths in the United States — and that rate is still rising. Because the risks are so great, opioids are used at the lowest dose possible, usually for just a few days.

• Generic (brand) names. Hydrocodone (Hysingla ER); hydrocodone-acetaminophen; fentanyl; oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, others); oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet, Oxycet); others.
• How they work. Opioids, like real opium, mimic the natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the brain. These chemicals are called endorphins. The medications turn down the volume on the pain signals your nervous system sends through your body. They also muffle other nerve cell functions, such as breathing, heart rate and level of alertness.

• Benefits and risks. Research shows that over time your body adapts to these medications and they bring less and less pain relief. This is known as tolerance. It means that you need more of the medication to achieve the same degree of pain relief. Long-term use of opioids may lead to dependence on the medications and, eventually, addiction.

  The longer you use opioids, the greater the risk of becoming addicted. But even using opioids to manage pain for more than a few days increases your risk. Researchers have found that the odds of being on opioids a year after starting a short course increases after only five days on the medication.

• Bottom line. Opioids are a last resort for chronic pain management. They may be the right choice for long-term pain related to cancer and its treatments. Rarely, opioids may be used for noncancer pain that hasn't responded to any other medications. Because the risks are serious, you'll need careful and frequent follow-ups with your healthcare professional if you use opioids long term.

While there isn't a cure for chronic pain, many effective pain medications are available to help reduce pain. As you try different medications, work with your healthcare professional to find the simplest long-term solution possible. Keep your medication risks to a minimum to help you enjoy many good days for many years to come.