What are the most common side effects of pain medication?

Opioids1Itching, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty passing urine, dizziness or drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, headache, nausea and /or vomiting, pinpoint pupils and sweating 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)2 – Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas or heartburn, headache, nausea and vomiting

Antidepressants3 – Anxiety, constipation or diarrhea, drowsiness or dizziness, dry mouth, increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light, loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, skin rash or itching, weight gain or loss

Anticonvulsants4 Clumsiness or unsteadiness, diarrhea or constipation, mild dizziness or drowsiness, headache, increased sensitivity to the sun, increased sweating and nausea

Steroids5 – Diarrhea or constipation, change in taste, headache, increased appetite, increased sweating, changes in blood sugar, nervousness/restlessness or difficulty sleeping, unusual growth of hair on face or body, upset stomach

Lidocaine topical6 –  Numbness, tingling feeling or swelling at application site; skin rash or itching.

Lidocaine oral solution7 – Numbness or tingling feeling at application site; dizziness or drowsiness and/or headache.

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1Fentanyl (Actiq®, Duragesic®, Fentora®), hydrocodone (Lorcet®, Lortab®, Norco®, Vicodin®), hydromorphone (Dilaudid®), methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®), morphine (Avinza®, Kadian®, MS Contin®, MSIR®, Oramorph®, Roxanol®), oxycodone (OxyContin®, OxyFast®, OxyIR®, Roxicodone®)

2Aspirin (Ascriptin®, Bayer®, Ecotrin®), celecoxib (Celebrex®), choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate®, Tricosal®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), nabumetone (Relafen®), naproxen (Aleve® Anaprox®, Naprelan®, Naprosyn®)

3Amitriptyline (Elavil®), nortriptyline (Pamelor®), desipramine (Norpramin®)

4Gabapentin (Neurontin®), carbamazepine (Carbatrol®,Tegretol®), valproic acid (Depakene®), divalproex sodium (Depakote®)

5Dexamethasone (Decadron®), methylprednisolone (Medrol®), prednisolone (Orapred®, Pediapred®, Prelone®), prednisone (Deltasone®, Sterapred®)

6Lidoderm® topical patch, Xylocaine® topical gel or ointment

7Xylocaine® viscous

This website is not intended as medical advice and is for informational purposes only.  In the case of an emergency, please dial 911.
Pain Meds FAQs
Pain Meds FAQs