Prescription Opioids

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Prescription Opioids

Prescription Opioids are depressant drugs which means that they slow down and interfere with the functioning of the brain and the body. Doctors may prescribe Prescription Opioids to help treat pain.

Prescription Opioids have an important role in managing surgical pain, end-of-life care and some severe short-term painful conditions.

The use of Prescription Opioids in Chronic pain (or persistent pain) is conflicting. NPS MedicineWise highlights that current medical research does not support the long-term use of Prescription Opioids.

If your doctor has prescribed you a long-term Prescription Opioid, do not stop taking the medication without consulting a doctor.

Talk to your Doctor about the risks and benefits of the medication and your long-term health goals.

For a review of your Prescription Opioid, contact PRS on (07) 3059 1301 or fill out the form below to book an appointment. We can contact your doctor with advice on your Prescription Opioid use.

Common brand names

There are several Prescription Opioids available. They may also be known by their brand or trade name and are available in a range of different formulations.

 

PRESCRIPTION OPIOID COMMON BRAND NAMES
Morphine MS Contin®, Kapanol®, MS Mono®, Anamorph®, Sevredol®, Ordine®
Oxycodone Endone®, OxyContin®, Targin®, Oxynorm®, Proladone®
Fentanyl Durogesic®, Denpax®, Fenpatch®, Dutran®, Abstral®, Fentora®, Actiq®, Sublimaze®
Codeine Panadeine Forte®, Nurofen Plus, Panafen Plus®, Mersyndol®, Aspalgin®, Panamax Co®
Buprenorphine Norspan®, Bupredermal®, Temgesic®, Suboxone®, Subutex®
Methadone Physeptone®, Biodone®, Methadone Liquid®
Hydromorphone Dilaudid®, Jurnista®
Pethidine
Tapentadol Palexia®
Tramadol Tramal®, Zydol®
Alfentanil Rapifen®
Remifentanil Ultiva®

What are the possible short-term effects?

Some people use Prescription Opioids for the feeling of euphoria or to feel relaxed. Other short-term effects include:

  • Small pupils.
  • Slurred and slow speech.
  • Slow breathing.
  • Decreased heart rate or palpitations.
  • Sweating.
  • Cold clammy skin.
  • Itchiness and scratching.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Confusion.
  • Nausea / vomiting.
  • Stomach ache.
  • Constipation.
  • Difficulty urinating.

PRESCRIPTION OPIOID Facts

  • In 2016, 784 Australians died due to a Prescription Opioid induced death.
  • In 2016, Prescription Opioid and Benzodiazepine related drug deaths outnumbered the road toll in Australia.
  • Drug-induced deaths involving Prescription Opioids have more than doubled in the last decade.
  • In 2016-17, 715,000 Australians used Prescription Opioids for illicit or non-medical purposes.
    In contrast, around 40,000 Australians used heroin.
  • Over 10% of Australians have used illegal opioids or misused Prescription Opioids in their lifetime.
  • In 2016-17, 3.1 million Australians had one or more Prescription Opioids dispensed.
  • In 2016-17, 15.4 million opioid scripts were dispensed under the PBS
  • Oxycodone is the most commonly dispensed Prescription Opioid, followed by codeine and then tramadol.
  • Approximately 1 in 4 patients (25%) who are commenced on a long-term opioid for pain management will become dependent.

What are the possible long-term effects?

Prescription Opioids affect people differently depending on a range of factors including how much and what dose is taken, whether they are used with other drugs, whether the person is used to taking it and the individual characteristics of the person (size, weight and health).

Other possible long-term effects include:

  • Sexual dysfunction (no sex drive).
  • Fertility problems and difficulty having children.
  • Irregular periods.
  • Constipation.
  • Nausea / vomiting.
  • Dizziness.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Decreased motivation.
  • Mood swings.
  • Dependence on Prescription Opioids.
  • Financial, work, social or legal problems.

What are the signs of a PRESCRIPTION OPIOID problem?

It is possible to become dependent on Prescription Opioid medications without realising it.

The Body can develop a tolerance which lessens the medication’s effectiveness and means more and more is needed to get the same pain relief.

Potential Signs of a Prescription Opioid problem:

  • You feel unable to stop taking or take less medication.
  • You feel sick when you try to stop taking the medication (eg being shaky, anxious, sweating or experiencing stomach pain).
  • You make excuses to get more medication.
  • You feel very anxious about not being able to access your medication.
  • You feel judged or ashamed when asked about your medication use.
  • The medication is negatively interfering in your life (eg being late/absent from work, relationship problems, losing interest in everyday activities, sleepy/sedated throughout the day).
  • Using greater amounts, or for longer than originally planned.
  • Needing to use more to get the same effect.

Prescription Opioid dependence is a medical condition that can happen to anyone – it is a side effect of the medication. There is no shame in seeking treatment.

Treatment.

At Pharmaceutical Rehabilitation Services, our team work with patients to employ Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Dependence (MATOD). MATOD is a combination of medication, as well as psychosocial support. While medication alone can bring about some behaviour change, psychosocial support is essential for patients to achieve long-term treatment success.

There are two medications which we use for Opioid dependence:

  • Methadone (Methadone, Biodone liquid)
  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone Films, Subutex Tablets)

These medications bind to the opioid receptor in the brain. This prevents and/or reduces any withdrawal symptoms. This keeps the patient stabile while they make positive changes in their life.

Additionally, both methadone and buprenorphine are long acting meaning doses are usually only required once a day, sometimes even less.

Psychosocial support includes strategies to assist the patient with health, psychological, social and other issues that they are experiencing.

Counselling helps to address any underlying issues which may have been masked by opioid use, and help to process emotions which may have been suppressed by the medication. It also helps patients to develop the necessary strategies and tools to use if they have opioid cravings.

Our Clinicians work with each patient at the start of their treatment journey to outline their treatment goals. They then work collaboratively with the patient toward achieving those goals.

In each patient’s journey, their goals may change over time and therefore, the support we provide will also change.

For example, early on in treatment there is usually a greater focus on managing withdrawal symptoms with medications. Then, once the cravings are stabilised, we work with patients to achieve their greater health goals.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by Prescription Opioid addiction, contact PRS on (07) 3059 1301 or fill out the form below to book an appointment.

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