A patient receiving opiate therapy for pain may develop a range of adverse effects, many of which are dose dependent.
Patient selection: pain patient
Adverse effects of opiate therapy may include:
(1) rash
(2) pruritus
(3) histamine release from mast cells
(4) nausea and/or vomiting
(5) constipation
(6) urinary retention
(7) confusion or delirium
(8) hallucinations
(9) sedation
(10) dizziness
(11) depression and/or anxiety
(12) confusion
(13) drowsiness
(14) headache
(15) nightmares
(16) amnesia
(17) pinpoint pupils (miosis)
(18) positive occupational urine drug test
(19) opioid-induced hyperalgesia
(20) hot flashes
(21) adrenal insufficiency
(22) immunosuppression
(23) dry mouth
(24) dental caries
(25) myoclonic jerks
(26) muscle rigidity
(27) impaired performance when operating machinery
(28) prolongation of the QTc
(29) dependence with risk of withdrawal
(30) neonatal abstinence (if given during pregnancy)
(31) respiratory depression
(32) non-cardiac pulmonary edema
(33) drug interactions
(34) worsening of comorbid conditions
(35) narcotic bowel syndrome
(36) death