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Clinical Resource: Opioid use disorder

Opioid pain medications

Opioid pain medications such as Oxycontin, Percocet and Codeine, are used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Mature adults (60 & older)

Mature adults are more likely to live with pain and/or chronic illnesses. Those seeking treatment for pain or coming out of surgery are often given opioid medications. In some cases, these medications are prescribed at doses too high and may react badly with other regular medications.

Opioid use disorder (oud)

Opioids are not intended for long- term chronic pain. It only takes weeks for someone to become physically dependent on opioids and develop a tolerance. An older adult who is taking opioids ordered by their doctor may begin overusing them without realizing the serious consequences that can happen.

Using opioids can quickly lead to dependence, a condition that may require help to overcome. This condition is sometimes called oud.

Some common side effects of opioids:

  • Can make you feel sick to your stomach
  • Can slow down your gut & cause constipation
  • Can cause problems emptying your bladder
  • Can make you feel dizzy and affect your driving
  • Can make you feel confused and slow down your thinking and reflexes

Serious side effects of opioids:

  • Can affect your balance and walking causing falls & serious injuries
  • Can become physically and psychologically dependent
  • Higher doses can slow down your breathing and may even cause death

Alternatives to opioids

  • Medications like tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen and aleve are not opioids. They may work better to control pain and have fewer side effects than opioids. Ask your doctor which pain medication is best for you.
  • There are also other therapies for pain control that may help such as physical therapy, ultrasound
  • Treatment, aromatherapy, and music therapy.

This publication was made possible by grant number 1h79t108700-01 from samhsa (substance abuse and mental health services administration) and the arkansas department of human services division of aging, adult and behavioral services (daabhs).

 

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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)

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  • Facts about Opioid Pain Medications (Article)

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  • 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.

  • Falls: Causes & Prevention Education (Article)

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  • Understanding OPIOID Pain Medications (Article)

    Information for Mature Adults and Family Caregivers

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