AL
A 33-year-old male asked:
beside dependence/addiction & testosterone and hormone decreases what are the dangers/side effects of long term opiate use for chronic pain?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Newton answered
Pain Management 19 years experience
You hit the majors: There are also long term effects on the liver and kidneys. Long term use can also affect cognition and often lead to constipation that can lead to diverticulosis. Unfortunately these medication have a bad profile for long term use but are the only option for many patients. If the meds do not improve function and quality of life then the risks are too great.
5408 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jeff Blixt commented
Addiction Medicine 24 years experience
Agree you hit the Major ones, Ask anybody with a severe addiction to opiates and they will tell you they would not wish it on their worst enemy, its not a word to be taken lightly.
May 4, 2013
Dr. Shobhana Patodia answered
Anesthesiology 48 years experience
Tolarance : You get used to medications and you require higher dose of medications to cover your pain.
You may take too large a dose and cause major side effects that includes accidental overdose and death
taken appropriately as prescribed opioids has no organ toxicity and one can handle large doses of daily opiates without any per major side effects.
5136 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 25, 2018
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