Is cancer pain management done with opioid pain medicines?

Opioids are medicines that act on pain pathways in the nervous system. A cancer team may use them for pain caused by the cancer, surgery, treatment, or another condition. The choice depends on the pain pattern, its intensity, kidney and liver function, other medicines, and the person's goals. The plan may also include non-opioid medicines, treatment directed at the cancer, nerve-pain medicines, physical measures or emotional support. Opioids can cause sleepiness, nausea, constipation, dizziness and slowed breathing, and the body can become dependent on them. Regular review helps balance relief with unwanted effects.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and keep a record of pain relief, drowsiness, bowel movements and any missed doses. Do not share opioid medicine, change the dose, crush a formulation, or combine it with alcohol or sedating medicines unless the prescriber has advised this. Ask about a constipation plan and what to do if pain breaks through. If pain remains uncontrolled or side effects interfere with daily activities, contact the cancer or palliative care team for adjustment.

Get urgent help if someone taking an opioid is difficult to wake, has very slow or shallow breathing, blue or grey lips, a seizure, or collapses. Contact the care team quickly for repeated vomiting, confusion, severe dizziness, inability to pass stool with worsening pain, or pain that suddenly changes. Do not stop a regularly used opioid abruptly without medical advice, because withdrawal symptoms can occur.

What is causing my pain, and what is the treatment goal? Which opioid and dose are appropriate? What should I take for constipation? How will we review or taper the medicine?