Narcotics are generally prescribed as a last resort. Although they provide the greatest pain relief of any prescription medication, they also have the largest risk of unwanted side effects including chemical dependence.

Narcotics are opium-based pain relievers that work on the brain and spinal cord. Along with pain relief, narcotics can produce a wide variety of side effects including dysphoria (an unpleasant feeling), euphoria, somnolence (tiredness, lethargy), respiratory depression (slow or even stopped breathing), diminished gastrointestinal motility (results in constipation), and dependence.

There are pain relief specialists who can be consulted if one is going to use narcotics. Often, regular doctors or specialized physicians do not have the specific knowledge to properly prescribe narcotics.

Doctors are often hesitant to prescribe narcotics because of the potential of patients to abuse narcotics for the feelings of euphoria they produce. Patients are also often cautious about using narcotics because they are afraid of becoming addicted. Both of these are very real threats, and patients should be careful when using narcotics.

Some of the more popular narcotics are as follows.

OxyContin

Although OxyContin is effective as a pain reliever, there have recently been a lot of problems involving abuse of OxyContin. OxyContin is made from Oxycodone, which is a central nervous depressant. People who take OxyContin repeatedly can develop a tolerance or resistance to its effects. If patients do abuse the drug and take it over a long period of time, stopping can produce withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those of heroin.

Demerol

Demerol also may be habit forming. If a patient stops taking it abruptly, he or she may experience withdrawal. Patients should be sure to tell their doctor about any other medications they are taking, because Demerol may increase the effects of other that drugs that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, other pain relievers, antihistamines, sedatives, antidepressants, anxiety medicines and muscle relaxants.

Hydrocodone

As with most other narcotics, Hydrocodone can be physically and mentally addictive. Patients taking Hydrocodone should completely avoid alcohol and other medicines that cause drowsiness. In addition to increasing their effects, Hydrocodone can cause unconsciousness and even death. It also may damage the liver if taken with alcohol. Hydrocodone is often used with acetaminophen to decrease pain.