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what is a prescription Opioid?

Prescription opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain, but can also have serious risks and side effects.

List of common types of prescription Opioids

Source: Dose of Reality WI

  • Oxycodone, Brand Names: OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®

  • Hydrocodone, Brand Names: Vicodin®, Lortab®, Lorcet®

  • Diphenoxylate, Brand Names: Lomotil®

  • Morphine, Brand Names: Kadian®, Avinza®, MS Contin®

  • Codeine, Various Brand Names

  • Fentanyl, Brand Name: Duragesic®

  • Propoxyphene, Brand Name: Darvon®

  • Hydromorphone, Brand Name: Dilaudid®

  • Meperidine, Brand Name: Demerol®

  • Methadone, Various Brand Names

other Opioids

  • Heroin

  • Synthetic Fentanyl illegally produce

risks and side effects of opioid use

Source: CDC.gov

Prescription opioids carry serious risks of addiction and overdose, especially with prolonged use. An opioid overdose, often marked by slowed breathing, can cause sudden death. The use of prescription opioids can have a number of side effects as well, even when taken as directed:

  • Tolerance—meaning you might need to take more of a medication for the same pain relief

  • Physical dependence—meaning you have symptoms of withdrawal when a medication is stopped

  • Increased sensitivity to pain

  • Constipation

  • Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth

  • Sleepiness and dizziness

  • Confusion

  • Depression

  • Low levels of testosterone that can result in lower sex drive, energy, and strength

  • Itching and sweating
     

how a prescription opioid is misused

  • not following the prescription instructions

  • taking pills that are not prescribed to you

  • taking opioid to get high

links for More information

www.overthedosevt.com

www.doseofrealitywi.gov

www.cdc.gov/opioids

www.http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids

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