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Strong painkillers

Strong painkillers, usually opioids, can reduce severe acute pain, cancer pain or pain in palliative care, but cause sleepiness, constipation, dependence and breathing risks. Their use requires a clear goal and regular review.

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Strong painkillers, usually opioids, can reduce severe acute pain, cancer pain or pain in palliative care, but cause sleepiness, constipation, dependence and breathing risks. Their use requires a clear goal and regular review.

  • Pain relief but also sleepiness, dizziness or slower reactions.
  • Nausea, vomiting, itching and a dry mouth.
  • Take exactly the prescribed dose and never share medicines.
  • Do not drink alcohol or use sleeping tablets or sedatives without explicit consultation.
  • Call the same day for marked drowsiness, new confusion, falls, hardly any bowel movements or use other than agreed.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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