Category Archives: Opioid

Opioid Side Effects: Short-term and Long-term Impact on the Body

Constipation is a common complaint, but the effects are wide-ranging and can be severe. Similar to any medication, whether prescribed or not, opioids are associated with a range of potential side effects. What sets opioids apart from many other commonly used medications is their propensity to induce strong addiction. This distinctive characteristic underscores the possibility […]

Opioid Use Disorder Overview

Opioid use can begin with prescription painkillers. When the use of these powerful substances becomes an addiction, life can spiral out of control, threatening a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Family and friends are often the first to recognize the wide-ranging signs of opioid abuse. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) refers to a pervasive and […]

8 Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Overdose and What To Do

If a person shows these signs, consider it an emergency and act quickly. Prescription opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, along with synthetic variants like fentanyl, are legally available, while illicit opioids like heroin are obtained illegally. Despite their varying side effects, a common peril unites all opioids: the potential for overdose. Between 2021 and […]

Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers and your Heart

Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, have long been considered the “benign” choice for pain medication among both doctors and patients. Their non-addictive nature and the perceived difficulty of overdosing contributed to their popularity. Serious side effects, like gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, were thought to be limited to high doses over […]

Painkillers and Opioid Use Disorder

Pain relief is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. Pain can be debilitating and disruptive, leading to the prescription of various drugs, including opioids. This article delves into the prevalence of painkiller addiction, its risk factors, warning signs, and what to do if you or a loved one is struggling with […]

Opioid Abuse Statistics: Who’s Affected and Why?

The opioid use disorder (OUD) crisis in the United States is a deeply concerning and escalating issue. Every day, a staggering 136 individuals succumb to opioid overdoses, and this fatality toll continues to surge annually. This crisis transcends demographic boundaries, affecting various population groups and geographical regions. In this comprehensive exploration of the opioid epidemic, […]

Fentanyl: What You Need to Know

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is renowned for its exceptional potency, typically ranging from 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. While it serves a crucial role in the management of severe pain, this drug carries a high risk of abuse and overdose when misused. In this comprehensive exploration of fentanyl, we will delve into its […]

CDC Releases New Prescription Opioid Guidelines for Treating Pain

The agency loosened previous regulations that received backlash from people with chronic pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently unveiled updated guidelines for prescribing opioid painkillers, marking the first significant revisions since 2016. These guidelines, which cover acute, subacute, and chronic pain management, aim to provide a more balanced approach to […]

What Are Nitazenes? Synthetic Opioids Linked to Rise in Deadly Overdoses

Some types of nitazenes are up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently sounded the alarm about a group of synthetic opioids known as nitazenes, which have been linked to a concerning surge in overdose deaths in Tennessee. This emerging crisis underscores the urgent need for […]

11 Opioid Use Disorder Symptoms That Suggest Someone May Need Help

The condition can be mild, moderate, or severe. Opioid use disorder, a complex and challenging chronic condition, often begins innocuously with a legitimate prescription for pain relief. Whether it’s the aftermath of wisdom tooth extraction or a bout of debilitating back pain, the likelihood is that the prescribed medication falls within the opioid category, including […]