Short and Long Term Effects of Painkillers
-
By:
Valerie Puffenberger, PMHNP-BC -
Editor:
Phyllis Rodriguez, PMHNP-BC
-
Clinical Reviewer:
Dr. Ash Bhatt, MD, MRO
By:
Editor:
Clinical Reviewer:
Painkillers Can Affect the Mind and Body in Multiple Ways
Opioids are the most common prescription painkillers that are regularly used and abused, resulting in more than 20 million Americans developing a substance use disorder. Opioids are in a drug class that includes prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, and other drugs, in addition to illegal street opiates, like heroin. In the short term, painkillers can affect your body and mind in different ways. The long term effects of painkillers, however, can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Click here to speak with a treatment specialist today or call us anytime 24/7 at (888) 534-2295
Short Term Effects of Painkillers
Opioid painkillers have short-term effects that are commonly experienced by most people who are taking them either recreationally or to reduce pain or treat other symptoms. For instance, your physician may have prescribed a painkiller like hydrocodone to relieve your pain after an operation or due to chronic back pain.
If you or a loved one are taking certain opioids as those listed above, you should be aware of the possible short-term effects associated with their use.
Oxycodone
This prescription pain reliever is an opioid that’s used to treat moderate to severe pain. It changes the way your brain responds to pain. Oxycodone is the active ingredient in the brand-name drugs Oxycodone and Percocet. This drug produces mild euphoria, relaxation, and it decreases anxiety. Its undesirable short-term effects include:
- Mood changes
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is sold under certain brand names, such as Vicodin. They are a mixture of the opioid hydrocodone and acetaminophen or another analgesic medication. Over the short-term, its effects can include:
- Sleepiness or lethargy
- Feelings of well-being
- Numbness
- Lessened anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Itchiness
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Cold-like symptoms
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Shallow breathing
Morphine
This strong painkiller might be used to treat severe pain or used recreationally to produce a “high” – and is extremely addictive. Some of the short-term effects of morphine are:
- Euphoric feelings
- Intense relaxation
- Decreased feelings of pain
- Depressed breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
- Urinary retention
- Constipation
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Agitation
- Seizures
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic that’s sometimes used to treat serious pain, but it can be up to 500 times stronger than morphine, giving it huge potential for abuse. Its short term effects are:
- Lessened feelings of pain
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Changes in heart rate
- Slowed breathing
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Sweating
- Itching
- Seizures
Heroin
Heroin is an illegal drug that enters the brain and is then converted to morphine. It binds to opioid receptors and results in the following short-term effects:
- A surge of pleasurable feelings called a “rush”
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slowed heart rate
- Shallow breathing
Long Term Effects of Painkillers
Opioid painkillers are powerful drugs that can have dangerous long term effects. The long term effects of painkillers can increase your risk for developing a serious physical and psychological addiction to these drugs. Additionally, taking these substances over a long period of time increases your risk for physical ailments, such as liver damage.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone use can have serious long-term effects that include:
- Opioid-induced constipation
- Physical dependence and addiction
- Unconsciousness
- Slowed breathing
- Coma
Hydrocodone
The long term effects of painkillers like hydrocodone include:
- Developing a tolerance for the drug dosage
- Addiction
- Respiratory difficulties
- Coma
- Liver damage
- Social and job-related difficulties
Morphine
Taking morphine over a long period of time results in physical dependency and addiction. If substance use is withheld or reduced, withdrawal symptoms can occur, including:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Restlessness
- Sleeplessness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Chills with goosebumps
Fentanyl
The long term effects of painkillers like fentanyl can cause:
- Poor judgment in job-related and family or social situations
- Organ damage due to decreased oxygen in body tissues
- Addiction
- Risk of overdose, and therefore, death
- Worsen or initiate mental health conditions, such as depression or mood disorders
Heroin
Heroin is a very addictive drug that can cause the following long-term effects:
- Neuronal and hormonal imbalances
- Deterioration of the brain’s white matter, affecting decision-making abilities
- An inability to regulate behavior
- Increased feelings of stress
- Enormous degrees of tolerance and physical addiction
- shortWithdrawal symptoms occur quickly when drug is stopped or reduced
Withdrawing from an opioid dependency can cause symptoms that are often painful and sometimes medically dangerous. This is why it’s so important to seek professional help from a drug treatment center, such as Legacy Healing Center, for opioid detox and rehab. Our opioid detox program provides you or your loved one with immediate medical intervention when necessary while ridding the body of the toxins of substances.
The opioid and heroin addiction treatment and rehab specialists at Legacy Healing Center in South Florida are compassionate and dedicated to holistic healing approach to substance use disorders. If you or a loved one are ready to begin your path to healing, please call us today at 888-534-2295 to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Calls are completely confidential and we can answer any questions you many have about treatment. Click here to learn more about our treatment programs.
Speak confidentially with a Legacy Healing Center specialist or check your insurance in minutes. Both options are private, free, and focused on helping you start healing. Speak confidentially with a Legacy Healing Center specialist or check your insurance in minutes. Both options are private, free, and focused on helping you start healing. Get immediate, confidential guidance on your treatment options and insurance. 24/7 Admissions | 100% Private Answer a few quick questions to see if you may qualify for treatment. Our team can arrange flights and transportation for you.
Traveling for treatment?
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Talk to a Treatment Specialist
Verify Your Insurance in 2 Minutes
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Talk to a Treatment Specialist
Check Your Insurance in 2 Minutes
Traveling for treatment?
Sources
Frequently Asked
Questions about Side Effects of Painkillers
What are the short-term effects of taking painkillers?
Short-term effects of painkillers may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and slowed breathing. Some users may also experience euphoria or relaxation, which can lead to misuse. When taken as prescribed, painkillers can provide temporary relief but should not be used beyond the recommended dose or duration.
What are the long-term effects of painkiller abuse?
Long-term or excessive painkiller use can cause tolerance, dependence, liver or kidney damage, hormonal imbalance, weakened immunity, and mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Opioid-based painkillers can also lead to addiction and increase overdose risk if not properly managed.
How long do side effects from painkillers last?
Short-term side effects like nausea, dizziness, or constipation usually resolve within a few hours to days after stopping use. However, chronic misuse can cause lasting physical or psychological effects, including withdrawal symptoms that require medical detox and rehabilitation.
How do painkillers affect mental health in the long run?
Chronic use of painkillers can alter brain chemistry, leading to depression, anxiety, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, dependence on painkillers can replace the brain’s natural reward system, making it harder to feel pleasure without the drug.
What are safer alternatives to painkillers for chronic pain?
Safer alternatives include physical therapy, acupuncture, non-opioid medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and holistic treatments. Many people find lasting relief by addressing the root cause of pain through integrated medical and therapeutic care.
