HOW DO SYNTHETIC OPIOIDS WORK?
Synthetic opioids are used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. They are also used as analgesics for pain management and relieving pain associated with:
- Postherpetic neuralgia (a painful condition that affects nerves and skin and is a complication of shingles)
- HIV-associated neuropathy (most frequent neurological complication associated with HIV infection)
Synthetic opioids relieve pain by acting on the pain receptors (opioids) in the brain. They bind to the opioid receptors and alter pain response and increase pain tolerance. Additionally, synthetic opioids also cause:
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation
HOW ARE SYNTHETIC OPIOIDS USED?
Synthetic opioids are used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. They are also used as analgesics for pain management and relieving pain associated with:
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- HIV-associated neuropathy
WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC OPIOIDS?
Synthetic opioids can cause the following side effects:
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Indigestion
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Itching
- Accidental injury
- Back pain
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
- Hiccups
- Irregular heart rate
- Mental clouding
- Flushing
- Bloating
- Amnesia
- Abnormal coordination, thinking, movement, and dreams
- Fainting
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.
WHAT ARE NAMES OF SYNTHETIC OPIOIDS?
Generic and brand names of synthetic opioids include:
- Alfenta
- Alfentanil
- Demerol
- Dsuvia
- Fentanyl
- Meperidine
- Nucynta
- Nucynta ER
- Pethidine
- Rapifen
- Remifentanil
- Sublimaze
- Sufenta
- Sufentanil
- Sufentanil SL
- Tapentadol
- Ultiva
