Narcotic Drug Treatments for Chronic Pack Pain
Narcotics are often prescribed for chronic back pain, but they are not to be used lightly. Here is a look at the benefits and risks of using this powerful class of drugs to relieve back pain.
Other People Are Reading
-
Available Drugs
-
Opioid narcotics include codeine (Tylenol #3), hydrocodone (Vicodin), propoxyphene (Darvocet) and oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet). Opioids are derived from the poppy plant.
How They Work
-
Narcotics interfere with the transmission of pain messages to the brain and alter the perception of pain.
-
Treatment
-
Narcotics are illegal without a prescription, and doctors are often hesitant to prescribe them. Used properly, however, they can be effective in the relief of chronic back pain.
Side Effects
-
Common side effects of prescription narcotics include drowsiness, nausea, constipation and respiratory difficulty. Combining narcotics with other medications can result in more dangerous effects.
The Risks
-
Consult closely with your doctor if you are prescribed a narcotic. The risk of dependency is significant, even with moderate, monitored use.
-
- Photo Credit theseniorsenior.files.wordpress.com
