Opioid medicines and pain

Some pain medicines, such as opioids, need to be taken with care. Learn about the risks and benefits of opioids, side effects and pain-relief alternatives.

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Common questions about opioid medicines and pain

Opioid medicines can help alleviate pain. But like all medicines, opioids come with risks and side effects. You should be informed about your pain medication and pain-relief options. Here are some frequently asked questions about opioids.

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Hydromorphone

Hydromorphone is a strong opioid pain medicine prescribed by your doctor. Find out how it works and learn about its possible side effects.

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Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong opioid medicine prescribed by doctors for severe pain. Learn about its how it works and potential side effects.

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Pain-relief medicines

Pain relief medicines include over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Learn about their side effects as well as when and when not to use them.

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Options for managing chronic pain

Chronic pain affects 1 in 5 Australians aged over 45. An effective pain-management plan includes various strategies, not only medicines.

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Tapentadol

Tapentadol is a prescription-only opioid medicine used for pain relief. Find out about tapentadol, how it works and its possible side effects.

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Codeine

Codeine is an opioid medicine used to relieve mild pain and suppress a dry cough. Find out how codeine works and about possible side effects.

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Opioid withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and anxiety, can occur if you stop taking an opioid medicine suddenly. Reducing the dosage slowly and carefully is key.

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Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a prescription opioid medicine. Learn about how it works, when to use it, and its potential risks and side effects.

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Opioids

Opioids are a group of medicines prescribed by doctors to treat pain. Learn about side effects, withdrawal symptoms and what to do in an overdose.

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Accidental overdose of medicine

Accidental overdose of medicine is very dangerous, but preventable. Here's how to avoid the risk of overdose, and the medicines that need special care.

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Can medicines be addictive?

Some medicines can be addictive. You can become dependent on a medicine. Find out the difference. Learn how to avoid becoming addicted to medicines.

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Oxycodone

Oxycodone is an opioid pain-relief medicine used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Find out how it oxycodone works and about its possible side effects.

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Better access to an overdose-reversing medication could save lives

A nasal spray has been added to the PBS, meaning many Australians could be saved from overdosing on prescription and illicit opioids.

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Taking opioid medicines safely

Opioid medicines are prescribed to relieve pain caused by cancer, surgery or injury. It's crucial to take them safely to reduce risks of opioid harm.

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Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. It is categorised as a 'weak' opioid. Learn more here.

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Pethidine

Pethidine is an opioid pain-relief medicine that your doctor can prescribe. Find out more about pethidine, how it works and possible side effects.

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Chronic pain

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than 3 months or beyond expected healing time. Learn about the causes, living with and managing chronic pain.

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Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid pain-relief medicine used for severe pain. Find out how it works, its side effects and other ways to manage pain.

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Prescription addiction can happen to anyone

Prescription medicines are responsible for more than 2 in 3 accidental drug-related deaths. Here's what you need to know about prescription addiction.

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Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how it works and and when it might be prescribed.

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Morphine

Morphine is an opioid-based medicine available on prescription from your doctor. Find out how it works and its possible side effects.

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Heroin

Heroin is an illegal, addictive drug with many side effects. Find out more about the dangers of long-term heroin use, addiction and rehabilitation.

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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

There are some medicines you don't need a prescription for. These are called over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

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Nerve pain (neuralgia)

Nerve pain can feel like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. You can be treated with pain relief medicines, exercise and alternative therapies. Learn how to identify symptoms and manage nerve pain.

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Medicines for nerve pain

There are many different types of medicines used to help ease nerve pain. Find out more about what medicines to take from a trusted source.

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Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is common, especially among young females, and the pain tends to ease as you get older. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of painful periods.

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Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis, or spinal canal stenosis, is a narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord sits.

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Quick read: Treating symptoms at home

People with mild symptoms can usually isolate and recover at home. Here's how to treat various COVID symptoms at home and monitor your health.

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