title: Beyond Respiratory Depression and Constipation: Adverse Effects of Opioids.
abstract: The numbers of opioid presciptions have skyrocketed over the last two decades. Adverse effects of opioids are difficult to diagnose because the usual presenting complaints is persistence of severe pain and decreases function leading to chronic usage of medication with minimal benefit to patients. This concise review discusses the adverse effects of opioids to appropriately diagnose and treat patients on opioid therapy. We emphasize less commonly known adverse effects and the controversial use of opioids in non-cancer pain.
authors.forename: Jay P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Mcdonald
authors.forename: Alan J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Torrey
authors.forename: Mahesh P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Luiz G R
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Delima
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000728:Androgens / Q000172:deficiency; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000728:Androgens