Opiate Painkillers

Opioids are usually prescribed to people for pain. As the name suggests they are an opioid which means they are depressants similar to drugs such as heroin. Opioid painkillers are often bought and sold on the street and used by people who they aren’t prescribed for. Opioid painkillers come as tablets or capsules in various shapes and colours, sometimes ground into powder or liquid. They are usually swallowed but can also be snorted or injected.

OTHER NAMES:

There are heaps of different brand names like Vicodin, Codeine Oxycontin, Morphine Tramadol, Panadeine Forte. As well as nicknames including hillbilly heroin, oxies, pain killer.

FACTS TO KNOW:

• The effects of opioid painkillers include pain relief, feelings of wellbeing, contentment, relaxation and sleepiness as well as drowsiness, constipation, vomiting, sweating, itching.
• If you had too many opioids you might have shallow breathing, bluish lips, or an inability to be roused or woken. Call an ambulance if anything like this happens for you or someone you are with.

DURATION:

• Duration depends on the type, amount and the way you take it (administration).
• You might feel the effects from 15 minutes and can last up to 36 hours.
• Some opiates can stay active in the body for up to a couple of days even if you don’t feel the effects. 

STAYING AS SAFE AS YOU CAN:

• Use somewhere safe and around people you trust
• Follow the instructions on the pack (if available)
• Carry Naloxone (Narcan) – It reverses the effects of heroin and other opioids and can be injected given easily by a nasal spray or injection into the muscle
• Wait at least 30 minutes after eating.
• If injecting, use safe injecting practices 
• Understand snorting and injecting delivers a more concentrated immediate dose
• Avoid using opioid painkillers with other substances especially other depressants such as benzos or alcohol because this significantly increases the risk of overdose.
• Call an ambulance if an overdose is suspected

NB: Naloxone is available from these pharmacies free of charge: Take home naloxone program

This is only a little bit of information check out Harm Reduction Victoria’s fact sheet or the Australian Drug Foundation’s comprehensive info on painkillers which includes opioid painkillers.