When analgesics are used in moderation and according to a physician’s orders, they can provide relief from pain. However, these drugs can have some side effects, especially when taken in large doses. These include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

Over time, a patient can build up a tolerance to narcotic(opioid) analgesics. This means that the patient will need to take more of the drug to obtain the same pain-relieving effect. In addition, opioid analgesics can become habit-forming and cause physical dependence, which means the patient would have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped abruptly. Opioids can also cause addiction, which is usually considered psychological dependence.

Patients who stop taking opioids may find that their body goes through a period of adjustment as it withdraws from the drug. For this reason, patients should not quit taking analgesics unless instructed by their physician. Side effects associated with withdrawal from analgesics include.

Patients who stop taking narcotic analgesics may find that their body goes through a period of adjustment as it withdraws from the drug. For this reason, patients should not quit taking analgesics unless instructed by their physician. Side effects associated with withdrawal from analgesics include:

• Body aches
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Goose pimples
• Increased sweating
• Increased yawning
• Loss of appetite
• Nervousness, restlessness or irritability
• Runny nose or sneezing
• Shivering or trembling
• Stomach cramps
• Trouble sleeping
• Weakness or fatigue

In recent years, there has been controversy over the potential for addiction in patients who use narcotic analgesics. Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe these painkillers, and many patients are reluctant to take them, because they fear addiction. Opioid medications rarely cause addiction when used correctly under a physician’s close supervision for acute pain and cancer pain. However, there is a risk of addiction when they are used to treat chronic pain even in patients with no history of drug abuse.

Although non-narcotic analgesics do not typically cause addiction or dependence, they may trigger other side effects in some patients, especially if taken in large doses. For example, large doses of NSAIDs can cause internal bleeding.

In addition, patients are advised to consult a physician before using any non-narcotic analgesic. The fact that many of these drugs are available in over-the-counter form does not mean that they are not potentially dangerous. For example, topical analgesics can cause serious burns when combined with heat treatments (thermotherapy), and misuse of acetaminophen is a leading cause of liver failure. Sometimes minor gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs can be avoided by taking them after meals.