Pain managementMedicationsDigestive health

What are the risks of using opioid pain medication?

The main effects and risks of using opioids include nausea and constipation, accidental overdose, and addiction if they are used long-term. Pain management expert Devi Nampiaparampil, MD, discusses the various risks of taking opioid medications.


LearnChronic painWhat are the risks of using opioid pain medication?

Up Next

  • Should opioids be prescribed for all types of pain?

  • Long-term effects of opioid use

  • Can marijuana help with chronic pain?

  • Addiction risk: factors to consider

  • Why are prescription pain medications addictive?

  • Opiates and chronic pain

  • Why you should get medical help for opioid detox

  • Doctor deep dive: 3 key differences between opioids and non-opioid analgesics

  • What are the risks of taking prescription sleeping pills?

  • What is ibuprofen and is it safe for me to take?

Up Next

  • Should opioids be prescribed for all types of pain?

  • Long-term effects of opioid use

  • Can marijuana help with chronic pain?

  • Addiction risk: factors to consider

  • Why are prescription pain medications addictive?

  • Opiates and chronic pain

  • Why you should get medical help for opioid detox

  • Doctor deep dive: 3 key differences between opioids and non-opioid analgesics

  • What are the risks of taking prescription sleeping pills?

  • What is ibuprofen and is it safe for me to take?

AskMDAskMD

Questions about Pain management?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

Opioids are powerful drugs with potentially significant side effects. Here’s what you need to know.

Side effects of opioid medication
Article

Opioids are powerful pain meds that can be extremely addictive. See how to dodge common opioid pitfalls and stay safe.

9 ways to use opioids safely
Article

Understand the physical and mental factors at play—and why overdose deaths are on the rise.

How does an opioid addiction start?
Article

Prescribing antidepressants alone for bipolar disorder could actually increase manic episodes in patients.

Antidepressants for bipolar disorder: are they helpful?
Article

These strategies can help you stay comfortable and productive during the work day.

Tips for managing psoriatic arthritis joint pain at work
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.