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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- General medical information
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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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