Narcotics are strong pain relievers that doctors often prescribe to help manage pain. There are several common forms of narcotics a doctor may recommend on the basis of a person’s underlying health condition, pain level, and tolerance.

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The term narcotic describes a substance that can help manage moderate to severe pain. This may include temporary pain, such as breaking a bone or following surgery, or chronic, intermittent pain resulting from long-term medical conditions.

Some people may also use the term opioids to describe these medications. While they do not derive from opium, these drugs bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) to block pain signals and relieve pain.

Narcotics are available by prescription only. Health experts also classify them as controlled substances due to the potential for misuse and abuse.

In this article, we list some of the more common types of narcotics and discuss their uses, forms, and possible side effects.

Codeine is a type of opioid pain reliever that doctors typically prescribe for mild to moderate pain. It comes in several formulas, including:

  • only codeine
  • codeine in combination with another pain reliever, such as acetaminophen
  • codeine in combination with cold medication

Like other narcotics, codeine can cause a variety of potential side effects, including:

  • constipation
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feeling of sedation or slowed thinking
  • abdominal cramps
  • urinary retention
  • tremor
  • hypersensitivity
  • itchy skin
  • pancreatitis
  • blurred vision
  • bronchospasm (including wheezing)
  • weakness

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50–100 times more potent than morphine. Manufacturers originally developed fentanyl as a skin patch to help people with cancer, but doctors often prescribe it for recovery from major surgery or for other people in severe pain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that there are two types: pharmaceutical fentanyl and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Common brand names include:

  • Sublimaze
  • Actiq
  • Duragesic

The CDC also note that fentanyl is a major cause of unintentional overdose deaths in the United States. In addition to potential death from overdose, fentanyl can cause side effects such as:

  • extreme happiness
  • problems breathing
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • drowsiness
  • unconsciousness
  • sedation
  • confusion

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that doctors use to treat pain. It also has uses as a cough suppressant. Hydrocodone comes in several forms, including tablets, oral solutions, and capsules.

It can cause several potential side effects, among which constipation and nausea are the most common. Other adverse effects can involve different parts of the body, including:

  • cardiovascular system
  • respiratory system
  • gastrointestinal tract
  • skin
  • urinary tract and kidneys
  • neurological systems, resulting in headaches, dizziness, or sedation

Oxycodone is a strong opioid that works similarly to other opioids. Doctors may prescribe it for acute or chronic moderate to severe pain. Due to its tendency to cause dependency or addiction, doctors need to use caution when prescribing the medication.

Oxycodone comes in both immediate and extended-release formulas. Dosing can vary between people according to age and other factors. The most common side effect is constipation. Other more common side effects include:

  • constipation
  • weakness
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • vomiting
  • headache
  • sleepiness
  • itchy skin
  • sweating
  • dry mouth

Oxymorphone is a strong pain reliever that doctors may use in people with chronic or acute pain, such as those undergoing cancer treatments. It comes in an extended-release tablet that a person should take whole without crushing or breaking.

People may develop an addiction to the medication. It can also cause severe, potentially life threatening breathing issues. As such, it is not advisable for people to take it if they do not have an active prescription. Other common side effects include:

  • excessive sweating
  • constipation
  • dry mouth
  • feeling dizzy, tired, weak, or sleepy
  • headache
  • gas
  • upset stomach or stomach pain
  • itchy skin

Morphine is an opioid drug that doctors may prescribe for moderate to severe pain that is acute or chronic. Possible candidates include those undergoing cancer care and palliative care and people with vaso-occlusive pain during sickle cell crisis.

Morphine comes in several forms, including:

  • intrathecal (via the spine)
  • oral
  • intravenously
  • epidural

Common side effects include:

  • urinary retention
  • central nervous system depression
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Like other opioids, it can cause potentially life threatening breathing issues.

Meperidine is a synthetic form of opioid that doctors use to treat moderate to severe pain. Doctors often prescribe it for acute pain and also for chronic pain.

It comes in several forms, including:

  • injections into the muscles, skin, or veins
  • syrup
  • tablets

Possible, common side effects include:

  • rapid heart rate
  • involuntary movements
  • urinary retention
  • tremor
  • hives
  • palpitations
  • constipation
  • weakness
  • headache
  • rash
  • vomiting
  • itchy skin
  • visual disturbances
  • confusion
  • dysphoria
  • flushing
  • delirium (especially in older people)
  • nausea
  • lightheadedness
  • agitation
  • low blood pressure
  • weakness
  • slow heart rate

It is also possible that it may cause additional, more severe side effects, including dependency, seizure, and shock.

Tramadol is an option that doctors may prescribe for moderate to severe pain. Medical professionals classify it as a class IV medication, which means it has a high potential for misuse or abuse. It is typically an option for people who do not respond well to nonopioid pain medications.

Tramadol comes in both immediate and extended-release tablets. Possible side effects beyond dependency and addiction include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • vomiting
  • sleepiness

Narcotics are strong pain medications that a doctor may prescribe to manage moderate to severe pain. They are controlled substances, and most have a high potential for dependency, misuse, and abuse.

They can come in a variety of formulations, such as oral tablets or injections. These medications typically work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This blocks pain signals and can provide relief from painful symptoms.

A person should watch for potential side effects and let a doctor know if they become unbearable. People should seek immediate medical attention if they experience breathing issues or other severe side effects.