HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Opiate Pain Relievers for Chronic Pain
How Well It Works
Opioids are effective in relieving moderate to severe Reference chronic pain Opens New Window. Higher doses may work better, but higher doses also can cause more side effects.
If one opioid does not reduce your pain, your doctor may prescribe a different opioid to treat your chronic pain.
There is a low risk of Reference addiction Opens New Window if you take opioids routinely as prescribed. Your risk of addiction is slightly greater if you have a history of substance abuse.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 14, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
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