Be prepared for an opioid emergency

Be prepared for an opioid emergency
Prescription opioids are a class of powerful medications, prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat pain. While used for legitimate medical needs — including short- or sometimes long-term pain control, cough suppression, or to control severe diarrhea — prescription opioids are also sometimes used inappropriately for non-medical use.
In addition to prescribed opioids, there are also illegal opioid formulations. Although all formulations pose the risk for dependence or abuse, they do so to different degrees. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) schedules opioids according to their acceptable medical use and potential for abuse or dependency.
It’s important to understand that prescription opioids can be helpful to manage chronic pain, but they come with risks even when used appropriately. When used too frequently, inappropriately, or without a prescription, they can cause serious life-threatening effects.
Generic Name | Trade Names* |
---|---|
Fentanyl | Actiq®, Duragesic®, Fentora®, Abstral®, Onsolis® |
Hydrocodone | Hysingla® ER, Zohydro® ER |
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen | Lorcet®, Lortab®, Norco®, Vicodin® |
Hydromorphone | Dilaudid®, Exalgo® |
Meperidine | Demerol® |
Methadone | Dolophine®, Methadose™ |
Morphine | Kadian®, MS Contin®, Morphabond™ |
Oxycodone | OxyContin®, Oxaydo® |
Oxycodone and Acetaminophen | Percocet®, Roxicet® |
*All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Opioids attach to receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gut. This produces a range of effects that include the release of chemical messengers to the brain, resulting in pain relief. In addition to relieving pain, opioids can also cause life-threatening side effects, which include:
It is important to note that the use of opioids without a prescription is considered “illicit use,” and may include “street drugs” like heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil, all of which are significantly more potent than prescription-grade agents. Help is available for people who believe that they are dependent on opioids. Visit the resource section of this website to learn more.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that “people dependent on opioids are most likely to suffer an overdose.” This includes people who use prescription opioids, people who use higher doses of prescription opioids, and people who use opioids in combination with certain other drugs. However, any household that has opioids may be at risk. Knowing the risks and who’s at risk, along with the steps to take in the event of an emergency, may mean the difference between life and death.
There are many reasons for opioid overdose emergencies and most often, they are accidental and unintentional. In fact, opioid overdose emergencies can even occur when opioids are used as directed.
Those at highest risk take high doses; consume certain other sedating medications or alcohol; have a history of substance abuse; and have children, other family, friends, and loved ones who have access to unlocked or unsecured prescription opioids.
The bottom line is that anyone who uses opioids for pain control or for recreational purposes is at risk for an opioid emergency.