Side Effects  and Withdrawal Symptoms of Pain Killers and Other Opioids and Adverse Reactions:

There are many side effects and adverse reactions that can occur with the use of opioids as pain killers. Often people or patients addicted to pain killers are plagued with various symptoms to various degrees.  Many time they don't associate the symptom with the drug or opiate. Many other drugs can interact with the opioids and cause the symptoms below or any of a dozen other symptoms and can be fatal. Opioids should never be taken when drinking alcohol (also a drug) or when alcohol may still be in the system.

         Common side effects and adverse reactions:

• nausea
• vomiting
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• miosis (contraction of the pupil)
• orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops upon sudden standing)--often happens when arising to get out of bed in the morning. 
• urinary retention
• constipation and/or fecal impaction
  Less common side effects and adverse reactions:

• confusion
• hallucinations
• delirium
• hives
• itch
• hypothermia
• bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• raised intracranial pressure
• ureteric or biliary spasm
• muscle rigidity
• flushing

          Most severe side effects and adverse reactions:

• respiratory depression
• fatal overdose

Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms of drug withdrawal are very unpleasant and can include restlessness, pain in the bones and muscles, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting and involuntary leg movements. Prescription drug or pain killer withdrawal is often referred to as 'cold turkey' because of its major symptom of cold flashes and bumps on the skin.