Opiate painkillers

WHAT ARE OPIATE PAINKILLERS?

Opiate painkillers refer to all medications that are derived from the opium poppy or made synthetically to mimic the effects of natural opium. They act to reduce pain and are commonly prescribed after surgery or for people with painful medical conditions. They are also available on the street, non-prescribed use of them is illegal.

OTHER NAMES:

Tylenol III, Demerol, Vicodin, Percocet, morphine, hillbilly heroin, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, MS Contin, oxies, Panadiene, Panadiene Forte, Codiene, Mersyndol, captain cody, schoolboy, doors and fours, loads, M, monkey, white stuff, demmies, pain killer, apache, China girl, goodfella, jackpot, TNT.

UNDERSTANDING:

Opiates give relief to physical and emotional pain. Signs that someone has used recently include feelings of wellbeing, relaxation and sleepiness as. Opiate use can cause constipation, vomiting, sweating and itching.

Opiate painkillers come in pills or capsules and liquid form and are usually swallowed but can also be injected, snorted or absorbed into the skin via a patch. Opiate painkillers refers to a whole family of drugs and many different brand names.

HOW TO SUPPORT A YOUNG PERSON:

Using opiate painkillers may impair a young person’s ability to focus and engage or cause them to be drowsy during class.

A young person who takes opiate painkillers daily (regardless of whether it is prescribed or not) may experience anxiety, agitation, cravings and stomach-flu like symptoms if they suddenly do not have access to the medication. This can progress into more severe withdrawal symptoms. A young person should be referred to medical care as soon as possible.

People have died from overdosing on Opiate Painkillers. Shallow breathing, bluish lips, an inability to be roused or woken indicate a medical emergency and 000 should be called immediately.

For a more comprehensive guide we recommend the ADF’s info and Harm Reduction Victoria fact sheet.