Common questions about opioid pain medicines

Opioid medicines can help relieve pain. Like all medicines, they have risks and side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about opioids.

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Opioid medicines and pain

Some pain medicines, such as opioids, need to be taken with care. Learn about the risks and benefits of opioids, side effects and pain-relief alternatives.

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Hydromorphone

Hydromorphone is a strong opioid pain medicine prescribed by your doctor. Find out how it works and learn about its possible side effects.

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Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong opioid medicine prescribed by doctors for severe pain. Learn about its how it works and potential side effects.

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Pain-relief medicines

Pain relief medicines include over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Learn about their side effects as well as when and when not to use them.

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Options for managing chronic pain

Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 Australians aged over 45. An effective pain-management plan includes various strategies, not only medicines.

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Tapentadol

Tapentadol is a prescription-only opioid medicine used for pain relief. Find out about tapentadol, how it works and its possible side effects.

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Codeine

Codeine is an opioid medicine used to relieve mild pain and suppress a dry cough. Find out how codeine works and about possible side effects.

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Opioid withdrawal symptoms

Opioid withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the opioid. Find out how to stop safely and manage symptoms to prevent long-term health risks.

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Opioids

Opioids are a group of medicines prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Learn about side effects, withdrawal symptoms and what to do in an overdose.

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Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a prescription opioid medicine. Learn about how it works, when to use it, and its potential risks and side effects.

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Can medicines be addictive?

Some medicines can be addictive. You can become dependent on a medicine. Find out the difference. Learn how to avoid becoming addicted to medicines.

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Oxycodone

Oxycodone is an opioid pain-relief medicine used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Find out how it oxycodone works and about its possible side effects.

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Accidental overdose of medicine

Accidental overdose of medicine can be very dangerous, but it is preventable. Learn how to avoid overdosing, and what medicines need special care.

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Taking opioid medicines safely

Opioid medicines are prescribed to relieve pain caused by cancer, surgery or injury. It's crucial to take them safely to reduce risks of opioid harm.

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Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. It is categorised as a 'weak' opioid. Learn more here.

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Pethidine

Pethidine is an opioid pain-relief medicine that your doctor can prescribe. Find out more about pethidine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Chronic pain

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than 3 months or beyond expected healing time. Learn about the causes, living with and managing chronic pain.

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Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid pain-relief medicine used for severe pain. Find out how it works, its side effects and other ways to manage pain.

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Morphine

Morphine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how it works and its possible side effects.

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Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how it works and and when it might be prescribed.

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Heroin

Heroin is an illegal, addictive drug with many side effects. Find out more about the dangers of heroin use, addiction and rehabilitation.

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Medicines for nerve pain

There are many different types of medicines used to help ease nerve pain. Find out more about what medicines to take from a trusted source.

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Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen treats fever and pain caused by inflammation. Learn more about how it works, how to take it and its possible side effects.

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Headaches

Headache is a common health complaint and most headaches are not serious. Learn about the different types of headaches and pain relief options.

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Delirium

Delirium is a sudden change in your thinking or behaviour. It is most common in older people. Find out more about prevention and treatment here.

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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without needing a prescription. OT medicines can cause side effects and drug interactions.

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Mpox (Monkeypox)

Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare infectious disease related to smallpox. While symptoms are usually mild, it can be serious and need medical attention.

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Lower back pain

Lower back pain is common and affects many people at some point in their life. Learn about the causes and treatment for lower back pain.

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Muscle aches and pains

Muscular aches and pains are common and often related to tension, overuse, or injury, resulting from exercise or physically demanding work.

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