Final answer :
Adverse effects of opioid analgesic drugs include constipation, nausea and vomiting. Withdrawal symptoms can resemble severe flu and long-term use often leads to increased tolerance and dependence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adverse effects of opioid analgesic drugs include a range of serious symptoms and risks associated with their use. Opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and morphine, often lead to addiction and can cause overdose. Even when taken as directed, opioids can cause side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression. Furthermore, patients may develop a tolerance or physical dependence, leading to increased doses to achieve the same analgesic effect, putting them at even greater risk of overdose. Additionally, opioids have a high potential for misuse due to the euphoric effects they can produce.
Withdrawing from opioids can be difficult and may present with symptoms that resemble severe flu, such as pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Methadone or buprenorphine are sometimes prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms due to their less euphorigenic properties compared to opioids like heroin.
Long-term opioid therapy, even in a primary care setting, can lead to addiction. In fact, up to one in four patients may struggle with addiction, which highlights the critical public health concern surrounding the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids.
Your question is incomplete. The meaning of your question is:
__________ are adverse effects of opioid analgesic drugs? Select all that apply.
- Constipation, nausea and vomiting.
- The heart beats faster
- Body feels weak