Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
codeine	Tylenol 3
fentanyl	Actiq
hydrocodone	Lortab, Norco, Panlor, Vicodin
methadone	Dolophine, Methadose
morphine	Avinza, MS Contin, Oramorph SR
oxycodone	Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin, Percolone
propoxyphene	Darvocet-N

Opiates are also called opioids or narcotics.

Opiates are sometimes combined with other medicines. For example, Tylenol 3 is codeine combined with acetaminophen, and Percodan is oxycodone combined with aspirin.

How It Works

Opiates relieve pain by altering the way your body feels pain and the way you feel about pain.

Why It Is Used

Opiates are reserved for the treatment of severe short-term (acute) back or leg pain.

Because opiates are potentially addictive, they are usually prescribed only for 1 to 2 weeks.

How Well It Works

Opiates may help decrease chronic low back pain and allow you to be more active. ¹ But sometimes the amount of medicine you need for relief causes side effects that make daily functioning difficult. It is not clear whether opiates will help with acute low back pain. ² Further study is necessary.

Opiate pain relievers for low back pain should only be administered by health professionals with experience in chronic pain management. There is a significant potential for addiction and other complications from prolonged use of this type of medicine.

Side Effects

Side effects from opiate pain relievers for low back pain may include:

• Confusion (especially in older adults).
• Drowsiness.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Decreased urination.
• Impaired breathing.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Opiates are not intended for use until all pain goes away. They are intended to be used only for a few days to get you through the most severe pain.

You may become physically dependent on opiates if you take them regularly. Physical dependence is not addiction, but rather a gradual change in your body in response to the opiates. If you stop taking opiates abruptly, you may develop nausea, sweating, chills, diarrhea, and shaking. The physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening. You can avoid withdrawal symptoms if you gradually stop taking the opiates over a set period of time, as prescribed by your health professional.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Van Tulder M, Koes B (2006). Low back pain (chronic), search date November 2004. Online version of Clinical Evidence (15).

2. Koes B, Van Tulder M (2006). Low back pain (acute), search date November 2004. Online version of Clinical Evidence (15).