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RSD Alert
www.rsdalert.co.uk

Warning and encouraging

If you came direct to this page from a search engine and you don't know about this chronic pain condition (now called CRPS, but traditionally known as RSD), please take time to visit our Home page and learn about this painful condition.

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RSD Alert Home Page

RSD Alert is a voluntary organisation publishing information about CRPS (traditionally knwn as RSD). Most of the data is provided by our readers.
All approved medical drugs work for some people but not for everyone.
Don't be alarmed by what you read. Many of our pages show both good and bad comments... read both to get a balanced view. If in doubt consult your medical advisor.
To contact one of the RSD Alert Team click CONTACT.
click to make contact with a member of our Team

To pass on information for publication in "Drugs on RSD Alert" click Submit Info.
NOTE: we do not reply to submissions. If you have questions needing a reply click the CONTACT button (above).
click to send us information about RSD/CRPS medications

 

 
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Drugs

Drugs on RSD Alert

(notes and comments from correspondents)

Opoids
Description
 A class of drugs derived from Opium and used to depress functions of the central nervous system e.g. for pain relief or anaesthesia. Narcotic.
Side effects

(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients)

 {side effects}
Warnings

(These are standard cautions but may not apply in your case)

 {warnings}

Comments

NOTE:
Opiates including Morphine, Diamorphine (Heroin) and milder derivatives like Codeine are very effective analgesics - although in neuropathic pain their value is sometimes questioned.
A core concern is the matter of addiction.
When opiates are abused or used for recreational purposes that carry a very high risk of dependence - the reason is that the user is taking the drug for 'effect' rather than pain relief. Thus dependence develops quickly and there is no need to discuss all that follows - we are all aware of that.
However - when used for purpose of analgesia, and in a controlled way, addiction is far less of an issue - and patients can be weaned from opiates quite successfully. However, tolerance soon develops and dosage in long term use can become quite phenomenal. As the body becomes tolerant to the drug then rapid withdrawal will result in the unpleasant symptoms known as 'withdrawal'. Thus the chronic pain sufferer must reduce the dose slowly if they intend to come off the drug.
Finally - opiates do have profound systemic effects and although pain relief may be good the individual may found themselves with a wealth of unwanted side effects - the decision is whether the side effects outweigh the pain relief. Dave Barton, Swansea, Wales - Administrator of SKIP (Support for Kids In Pain)
www.rsdalert.co.uk
for correspondence click CONTACT