Living Healthy 7 Opioids: What you need to know Opioids are strong medicines that help people deal with pain, especially after surgery or an injury. They work by blocking pain signals in the brain. Your doctor may prescribe these medicines, but it is really important to use them the right way. Taking too much or mixing them with other medicines can be dangerous. Examples of opioids: ■ Oxycodone (like OxyContin or Percocet). ■ Hydrocodone (like Vicodin). ■ Morphine. ■ Fentanyl. ■ Codeine. Opioids can be helpful when used correctly, but they can also be very dangerous if not taken the right way. Medicines that can be dangerous together Taking opioids with certain other medicines can cause serious problems. Some of these medicines include: ■ Benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Ativan or Valium)—used for anxiety or sleep. ■ Antipsychotics (like Abilify, Seroquel or Risperdal)— used for mental health or mood problems. ■ Sedatives (like Ambien or Benadryl)—used to help with sleep. All these medicines make your brain and body slow down. When you take more than one at the same time, your body can slow down too much. This can make you feel very tired, pass out (faint) or even stop breathing. What is naloxone? Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. If someone takes too much of an opioid, naloxone helps them breathe again. It comes as a nasal spray or an injection and works very quickly. If someone is not waking up or is breathing slowly, call 911 and give naloxone right away. Staying safe with opioids ■ Only take medicine that your doctor prescribes for you. ■ Never mix opioids with alcohol or other medicines that make you sleepy. ■ Keep opioids in a safe place, away from kids. ■ Ask your doctor if you should carry naloxone. ■ Never share your pain medicine with others. Opioids can help with pain, but they must be used the right way. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to stay safe.
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