Opium Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2024.

Applies to opium: oral tincture.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are taking this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that can make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; other prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures or barbiturates; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the other medicines listed above while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose.

Do not change your dose or suddenly stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, such as abdominal or stomach cramps, anxiety, fever, nausea, runny nose, sweating, tremors, or trouble with sleeping.

Serious side effects of opium

Along with its needed effects, opium may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking opium:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking opium:

Symptoms of overdose

• anxiety
• blurred vision
• blue lips and fingernails
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cold sweats
• coma
• confusion
• constricted, pinpoint, or small pupils (black part of eye)
• cool, clammy skin
• coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• depression
• difficult, fast, or noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
• difficult or troubled breathing
• difficulty sleeping
• disorientation
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• drowsiness to profound coma
• fast heartbeat
• hallucination
• headache
• increased hunger
• increased sweating
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• lethargy
• lightheadedness
• mood or other mental changes
• nervousness
• nightmares
• no blood pressure or pulse
• no muscle tone or movement
• not breathing
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• seizures
• shakiness
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• slurred speech
• stopping of heart
• swelling in legs and ankles
• unconsciousness
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of opium

Some side effects of opium may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

See also:

Further information

Opium side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer