Opiates

Classes: depressants, analgesics (pain reducers)

Examples: Oxycontin, Morphine, Methadone, Fentanyl

Short-term Symptoms: nausea, drowsiness, indifference to emotional or physical pain, constipation, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, anxiety.

Long-term Symptoms: dimness in vision, loss of appetite, nervousness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and hiccups. In high doses, overdoses, or in patients not tolerant to opiates, can cause shallow breathing, extremely low heart rate, cold or clammy skin, circulatory collapse, respiratory arrest, and death.

Use Caution with: alcohol, anti-histamines (found in allergy medications such as Benedryl), barbiturates (central nervous system depressants such as Phenobarbital), and benzodiazepines.

Please note: this information is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of speaking with a health professional.  Always speak with your doctor about any questions regarding any prescription or over-the-counter medications.