Narcotics are generally administered to those patients who are suffering from severe chronic pain. The aim of this type of treatment is to provide temporary relief from the intense pain associated with the medical condition. Narcotics typically consist of pharmaceutical compounds known as opiates (pain relievers) and are either synthetic or semi-synthetic in nature. The potency of the narcotic as well as its effectiveness generally depends on the type of ingredients that are combined to produce the drug.
Narcotics are available in the following forms: pills, liquid form, or intravenous (IV) solutions, which are directly injected into the vein. Some common medical conditions that are treated by the administration of narcotics include: cancer pain, arthritis, and post-injury pain. These narcotics can have a long or short-term effect on the patient’s sensation of pain.
A few examples of low potency narcotics are tramadol, codeine, and propoxyphene. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are frequently prescribed and are a more potent form of narcotic. Oxymorphone, morphine, and fentanyl are the most potent forms and are used to relieve the most severe cases of chronic pain. There are also new narcotics that are currently being tested for pain management in clinical trials.
Narcotics work by anesthetizing the parts of the central nervous system where the pain originates. However, long-term use of narcotics can potentially lead to drug addiction and/or drug tolerance. Drug tolerance simply means having to take a higher dosage of a drug in order to experience the same effect that a lower dosage had when the narcotic treatment began.
Although there are adverse effects associated with the use of narcotics, when it is used with caution it can be an effective tool in pain management. Furthermore, the proper use of narcotics is crucial for sufferers to resume the quality of life that they had prior to the onset of debilitating pain.
*DISCLAIMER: These are not medical diagnosis or suggestions for any specific individuals. They are an overview of various conditions, treatments and topics discussed by New York Pain Management Group. If you would like to discuss your symptoms in greater detail, do not hesitate to contact the New York Pain Management Group. To learn more about treatment options for this and other pain conditions, contact us today at www.nopainny.com or call at 1-888-789-NOPAIN! We will be happy to assist you.
References
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