Narcotic Analgesics For Pain Relief (Systemic)
Precautions While Using This MedicineIf you
will be taking this medicine for a long time (for example, for several months
at a time), your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.
Narcotic analgesics will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants
(medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness).
Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever,
other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine;
other prescription pain medicines including other narcotics; barbiturates;
medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental
anesthetics. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, and check
with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the medicines listed
above, while you are using this medicine
.
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded,
or to feel a false sense of well-being. Make sure
you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use
machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or
are not alert and clearheaded
.
Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you
get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help
lessen this problem.
Nausea or vomiting may occur, especially after the first couple of doses.
This effect may go away if you lie down for a while. However, if nausea or
vomiting continues, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Lying down
for a while may also help relieve some other side effects, such as dizziness
or light-headedness, that may occur.
Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency
treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking
this medicine.
Narcotic analgesics may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief,
use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva
substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with
your dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental
disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
If you have been taking this medicine regularly for several weeks or more,
do not suddenly stop using it without first checking
with your doctor
. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the
amount you are taking before stopping completely, in order to lessen the chance
of withdrawal side effects.
If you think you or someone else may have taken an
overdose, get emergency help at once
. Taking an overdose of this medicine
or taking alcohol or CNS depressants with this medicine may lead to unconsciousness
or death. Signs of overdose include convulsions (seizures), confusion, severe
nervousness or restlessness, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, slow or
troubled breathing, and severe weakness.
|