• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
UAMS Health Logo UAMS Health
  • UAMS.edu
  • MyChart
  • Giving
  • Emergency Room
  • COVID-19
  • Types of Care
  • Locations
  • Doctors
  • Patients & Guests
  • Referring Physicians
  • Appointments
  1. UAMS Health
  2. Clinical Resources
  3. Facts about Opioid Pain Medications

Clinical Resource: Facts about Opioid Pain Medications

  • Prescription opioids carry serious risks with long-term use
  • Opioid overdose can result in slowed breathing and sudden death
  • Prescription opioid medications, when taken as directed, may cause some side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, sleepiness, depression, and dizziness
  • You may develop tolerance when taking opioid pills, meaning you might need more pills for the same pain relief
  • You may become physically dependent on opioid pills, meaning you will have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them

You are at greater risk for side effects from opioid pills if you are 65 or older and have:

  • A history of drug misuse, substance use disorder, or overdose
  • A mental health condition like depression or anxiety
  • Memory loss or dementia
  • Problems walking or have experienced falls or dizziness
  • Sleep apnea

You should avoid alcohol if you are taking opioids. Unless indicated by your healthcare provider, you should avoid the following medications while taking opioid pills:

  • Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Lorazepam, or Valium)
  • Muscle relaxants (such as Soma or Flexeril)
  • Hypnotics (such as Ambien or Lunesta)
  • Other prescription opioids

There are other medications and therapies that may help manage your acute and/or chronic pain such as:

  • Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Aleve
  • Some medications used for depression or seizures (such as Gabapentin or Lyrica)
  • Physical therapy, Yoga, Tai Chi, exercise, or mindfulness meditation
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy — where you learn how to change physical, behavioral and emotional triggers of pain and stress

While you are taking opioid pills for acute or chronic pain, pay attention to the following:

  • Never take opioid pills in greater amounts or more often than ordered
  • Make sure you know the name of your medications and how much and how often to take it
  • Follow up with your healthcare provider regarding managing your pain.
  • Never sell or share your opioid pills
  • Never use another person’s opioid pills
  • Store your opioid pills in a secure, locked place out of the reach of others
  • Safely dispose of unused prescription opioid pills in drug-take-back-bins or take them to your local pharmacy
  • If you take opioid pills, take only as directed and ask your doctor or local pharmacist about Naloxone for use in case of overdose

Related Content

  • Resources
  • Locations
  • Make an Appointment

Related Resources

  • Opioids May Make Your Pain Worse! (Article)

    If you have been taking opioids, they may be causing your pain to be worse.

  • Did You Know? Opioid Pain Medications Can Make It Harder to Go (Article)

    Adults who take opioids can have more problems with constipation and urinary retention.

  • Prescription Opioid Pain Medications May Affect Your HEART! (Article)

    Opioids are strong pain medications but are usually intended only for short-term use, such as after a surgery or other procedure.

  • Adults who take Prescription Opioid Pain Medication May be More at Risk for FALLS! (Article)

    Every second in the U.S., an older adult suffers a fall making it the main cause of injuries and deaths among older Americans.

  • What Older Adults Need to Know About Opioid Pain Medications, Confusion/Delirium (Article)

    If you are 60 or older, and take prescription opioid pain medications, you are at risk of having side effects.

  • Opioid use disorder (Article)

    Using opioids can quickly lead to dependence

  • Understanding OPIOID Pain Medications (Article)

    Information for Mature Adults and Family Caregivers

  • Datos sobre AnalgĂ©sicos Opioides (Article)

    Los opioides con receta conllevan serios riesgos con el uso a largo plazo.

  • NALOXONE (NARCAN) (Article)

    Why Do I need a Naloxone (Narcan) Prescription?

Related Locations

The exterior of the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging

Thomas and Lyon Longevity Clinic

625 Jack Stephens Drive
Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-6219
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy

© 2023 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Please share your location to continue