Opiates Effects
The opiate effects you experience may be different from other people.
The effects of opiates are generally on the central nervous system but may also include adverse reactions such as those consistent with a food allergy. Opiates are a group of drugs that are usually prescribed for pain relief but in some cases can be used as maintenance treatment for addiction or as a cough suppressant. Non-prescription opiates such as those which are illegal street drugs including heroin or opium are used for recreational purposes only.
While the effects of opiates range from mild to severe, most of the effects associated with opiate use are related to misusing the drugs or overdosing on the drugs. Some of the most common effects of opiates include:
- Constipation
- Sluggish bowel movements
- Bowel rupture
- Sepsis
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Euphoria
- Depression
- Tremors
- Sleeplessness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Flu-symptoms
- Dry mouth
- Dehydration
- Sweating
- Cramping
- Upset stomach
- Dilated pupils
- Constricted pupils
- Itching
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
In addition to these effects, opiates can also have the following severe side effects which could result in death:
- Respiratory depression
- Slowed breathing
- Slowed heart rate
- Confusion
- Coma
- Cardiac arrest
- Circulatory collapse