Chronic pain patients develop tolerance to opiates
As people tend to develop analgesic tolerance to the drug, patients have to depend on a higher dosage of the painkiller for pain relief after a certain period of time. Studies suggest that the analgesic effectiveness of the same dosage of opiates can be last up to eight weeks, however, little is known on the performance of the same dosage beyond the period of eight weeks.

It is also becoming more evident that some patients require faster dosage escalation and some attempt to get more prescriptions by visiting different clinics. Hence, although short term use of opiates appears effective in relieving pain in fibromyalgia, long term use of the drug can cause more concerning problems such as abuse, addiction and the two abovementioned factors.

Other side effects of using opiates every day

• Opiates will no doubt help you to get relief from the pain, but when you consume it on a daily basis, you may end up being addicted to it.

• Opiates can cause breathing disorders.

• Irregularity in bowel movement is common. Constipation is a major side effect of consuming opiates.

• The overdose of the medicine may trigger complications in your physical health, especially when you suffer from serious ailments like diabetes, kidney dysfunction, heart disease and so on.

• Abuse or overdose of opiates can lead to respiratory failure and death.

• Opiates are believed to cause psychological issues in patients such as unstable metal symptoms, suicidal tendencies.

In conclusion, it is better for opiates to be taken in low dosages and for a shorter period of time. Fibromyalgia patients should look to discontinue the use of opiates eventually.

• Next Article >>
• << back

1. Von Korff M., et al. Long-Term Opioid Therapy Reconsidered. Ann Intern Med. 2011 Sep 6; 155(5): 325–328.
2. Brush E. Complications of Long-Term Opioid Therapy for Management of Chronic Pain: the Paradox of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia. J Med Toxicol. 2012 Dec; 8(4): 387–392.
3. Lee M, et al. A comprehensive review of opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Pain Physician. 2011 Mar-Apr;14(2):145-61.
4. Rosenblum A, et al. Opioids and the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Controversies, Current Status, and Future Directions. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008 Oct; 16(5): 405–416.
5. Fields H. L., MD PhD. The Doctor's Dilemma: opiate analgesics and chronic pain. Neuron. 2011 Feb 24; 69(4): 591–594. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2011.02.001