Opioid Analgesics
If you have severe knee pain, you may be able to find some relief with drugs known as opioids. This is the final step in the analgesic ladder. Patients are instructed to use non-opioid drugs first, such as ice packs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and over-the-counter pain relievers. If this doesn’t provide relief, they may consider using opioids.
There are different types of opioids that you can take, including codeine, tramadol, and hydrocodone. You should talk with your doctor about which drug works best for you because they are prescription medications and won’t be available for you if they are not recommended by a doctor.
Opioids are usually recommended for a limited period of time because there is a risk of addiction as the amount of the drug increases. You should discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor if opioids are recommended as a part of your treatment. Besides addiction, other side effects include nausea and constipation.
This medication is not a cure for chronic pain. It only relieves the pain but does nothing to treat the underlying cause.