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This information explains what weak opioid medicines are and how they help to relieve pain. You may be experiencing pain because of your illness or the treatment you are having. If your pain isn’t relieved by the more common medicines, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, your doctor or nurse may suggest an opioid.
What are opioid medicines?
Opioid medicines are painkillers that are morphine-based. They come in several strengths (usually described as weak or strong). Opioids are often prescribed in addition to the painkillers you are already taking, for example paracetamol.
- Addiction to opioid medicines is very unlikely if you take them as advised.
- Being prescribed an opioid medicines does not necessarily mean you are reaching the end of your life.
- Being prescribed an opioid medicine now does not mean you won’t be prescribed additional pain medication if your pain gets worse in the future.
Codeine
Codeine comes in different strengths. You may have used it before, as low doses can be bought without a prescription.
It works well with paracetamol, so the two commonly come together as co-codamol. If you have been prescribed co-codamol, you cannot take paracetamol as well.
Codeine is usually taken four times a day.
Tramadol
Tramadol can be more effective than codeine for some people so your doctor or nurse may prescribe it to you.
You can take one or two tablets, up to four times a day.
- Opioids can cause constipation so drink plenty of water and include lots of fruit, vegetables and fibre in your diet. If you need some extra help, your doctor or nurse may suggest a laxative.
- Opioids can also make you feel drowsy. This can happen when you first start taking them and often wears off after a few days. If you are still feeling drowsy after a few days, let your doctor or nurse know.
- You may also feel drowsy if you are taking them too often or if the dose is too high.
- Opioids can make you feel sick or nauseous. This often settles down after a few days, but your doctor or nurse may prescribe you an anti-sickness tablet to help relieve this.
Please seek advice from your doctor or nurse if you drive or drink alcohol and are taking an opioid medicine.
If you have any questions about the medicine(s) you have been prescribed, or if you think your medicines are not helping, please talk to your doctor or nurse, or contact the Enhanced Supportive Care team.
Macmillan Support and Information Service
The Macmillan Support and Information Service is located on the ground floor of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre. The support and information specialists based in the service provide emotional support, practical advice and information to anyone affected by cancer or a blood condition. The specialists are experienced healthcare professionals and they can see patients, their families and friends at any stage of their care.
You don’t need an appointment to visit the Macmillan Support and Information Service. The team will see you as quickly as possible.
Tel: 020 3447 8663
Email: uclh.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Tel: 0808 808 00 00
Website: macmillan.org.uk
Enhanced Supportive Care team
Tel: 020 3447 3412
Email: ESC.
Services
Page last updated: 18 July 2024
Review due: 30 November 2024