Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What are Opioids?
Opioids are a group of strong painkillers.
There are different types of Opioids, including both naturally derived and synthetic products. Most people start with Morphine-based painkillers. However, if it does not suit you, your medical team may recommend trying a different type of Opioid.
Examples of Strong Opioids:
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
Why have I been prescribed Opioids?
Opioids are often used to manage symptoms associated with illnesses such as cancer, chronic heart, lung or liver diseases , as well as certain nervous system disorders.
The most common indications for use of Opioids include:
- Pain: Opioids can be used for moderate and severe pain that is not alleviated by simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Breathlessness: Opioids are also helpful to reduce a sensation of breathlessness caused by cancer or non-cancer conditions.
- Other uses: Opioids can also be used for other indications such as persistent cough or severe diarrhoea.
How do I use Opioids?
There are two main different types of Opioids: long-acting slow-release, and short-acting immediate-release medications. Most people require a combination of both types to manage their pain.
Doctors and Nurses often talk about two types of pain:
- Background pain: typically refers to a constant and continuous pain, for which taking regular painkillers can help. This usually involves taking a long-acting medication that is absorbed slowly by the body over many hours e.g. slow-release tablets or capsules or transdermal patches applied to the skin.
- Breakthrough pain: refers to a sudden intense pain on top of an otherwise relatively well controlled background pain. This can happen spontaneously or be caused by a particular movement or activity. It is recommended that people take an additional fast-acting medication to manage this type of pain. Fast-acting or immediate-release medication (as it is also known) can be taken multiple times a day as needed (e.g. as oral solutions or fast absorbing tablets). The healthcare professional managing your pain will advise you on how many doses and how often you can this medication.
How do I take Morphine and other Opioids?
There are various types of Opioids and different ways of taking them.
They come in different forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids and patches. While most Opioids are available as injections (if necessary), most people take them orally. Your clinical team will help you find the type that suits you best.
Do Opioids have side effects?
Unfortunately, as with all medications, Opioids can produce side effects, but usually, these can be controlled. The most common side effects are:
- Constipation: is characterised by difficulty or infrequency in opening bowel, affects nearly everyone who takes Opioids. Therefore, if you start taking Opioids, you should also take laxatives (bowel medicines) regularly. Laxatives work by either softening stools or stimulating the bowel to work. If constipation persists despite laxatives use, your clinical team might suggest changing to a different type of Opioid.
- Nausea: Some people may experience nausea when first starting Opioids or when the dose is increased, but this typically settle within a short time. If it persists, you will be offered an anti-sickness medication to help.
- Drowsiness: Some people may experience drowsiness or reduced concentration when starting Opioids or when the dose is increased. If the problem persists, your doctors or nurses may discuss reducing the dose of Opioids or changing to a different strong painkiller.
If I take Opioids for pain, why do I need other pain killers as well?
Although strong Opioids work well for many types of pain, some types of pain, such as nerve pain, muscle spasm or colic, may need different types of painkillers or a combination of painkillers.
Now that I am taking Opioids like morphine, does that mean my doctor thinks I am terminally ill?
People can need Opioids at different stages of their illness, and being on them does not mean that your illness is terminal. The use of Opioids is indicated to help with particular symptoms a person has rather than because they have reached a particular stage in their illness. For example, Opioids are used for pain related to some anti-cancer treatments aimed at providing a cure or long remission. However, if this is something you are worried about, you should discuss it with your clinical team.
Will I get addicted to Opioids?
It is unlikely you will become addicted to Opioids if you are taking them in recommended doses and intervals for pain or breathlessness. You should not stop taking Opioids suddenly without discussing it with your medical team as your body will need time to adjust to the change.
How will taking Opioids affect my day-to-day life (for example driving a car)?
You should be able to carry on with your usual activities whist taking Opioids. You may find activities easier as your pain is more controlled. Opioids side effects may affect your ability to drive or do manual tasks.
It remains illegal in England and Wales to drive when taking prescription medicines if the medication impairs ability to drive.
Do not drive immediately after taking an extra dose of a strong ‘fast- acting’ painkiller.
Remember, as in any other situation, you should only drive if you feel completely safe to do so. It is a good idea to tell your insurance company if your ability to drive may be affected. Each company is different, but your insurance may not be valid if you do not tell them.
Will my dose change and is there a maximum dose?
There is no standard or maximum dose of Opioids. The amount needed to control symptoms varies from person to person, depending e.g. on their pain threshold and where the disease is located in their body.
Typically, people start with a low dose and this is gradually adjusted to reach an effective level that controls symptoms while minimising side effects. Over time, as a person’s condition changes and the disease is treated, their Opioid dosage may need to be adjusted (reduced or increased).
Who will monitor my medication?
Opioid doses can change over time as your illness and symptoms change.
Your medication will be monitored by your clinical team, which includes your GP, Palliative Care Doctors and Specialist Nurses. If you have any concerns or questions about your medication, you should talk to your medical team. We have included some useful contact numbers for advice on the back of this leaflet.
Where should I keep my medication?
Opioids are strong painkillers prescribed carefully and specifically for you by your Doctor. As with all other medications, they can be dangerous if taken by someone else who is not used to Opioids. Therefore, all medications should always be stored in a secure place out of reach of children and pets.
How should I safely dispose of any unused Opioids?
You are advised to return any unused opioids to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. This helps prevent misuse or accidental ingestion by others.
Any further Questions?
If you have any further concerns regarding your Medication, please speak to your clinical team.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Palliative care service.
About this information
Service:
Palliative care
Reference:
NN/004
Approval date:
11 June 2026
Review date:
1 June 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.