Mixing narcotics and opioids to treat chronic pain: What are the risks?

This article was originally published on Psychedelic Spotlight and appears here with permission.

There is limited research on combining narcotics with opioids. However, a study looking at the interaction between opioids and hallucinogens found that lower doses of opioids tend to reduce the effects of DMT and LSD, while higher doses can increase their effects.

If you have chronic pain, mixing narcotics and opioids may seem like a good idea. In theory, it could increase the effectiveness and effects of these medications, relieving pain and possibly enhancing your sense of well-being.

However, in reality, this drug combination can do more harm than good.

Keep reading to learn more about the interaction between narcotics and opioids and find out how to stay safe while taking opioids to treat chronic pain.

What are opioids?

Oxycodone is the generic name for a group of opioid painkiller tablets.

Opioids are A broad class of drugs with pain-relieving properties It is commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain that is resistant to over-the-counter medications.

Depending on their origin, these drugs can be natural, Semi-syntheticor Artificial. Natural opioids are derived directly from the opium poppy plant, unlike synthetic opioids, which are entirely man-made. Meanwhile, semi-synthetic opioids are produced by manufacturing natural opioids such as morphine.

Some commonly prescribed opioids include:

• Oxycodone (OxyContin®)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
• Tramadol (Ultram®)
• Oxymorphone (Opana®)
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)

Although opioids can effectively relieve acute and chronic pain, they only have a potent effect High potential for addiction It increases with prolonged use and abuse of opioids (for example, taking opioids in doses larger than prescribed).

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid dependence, it is in your best interest to seek professional treatment for opioid addiction. Quitting opioids “cold turkey” can lead to relapse, overdose, and even death.

What are narcotics?

Narcotics – or hallucinogens – are Psychoactive drugs That changes the way people view and experience reality. Besides affecting the senses, it can affect mood, cognition, energy, and much more. Some psychedelics may also cause visual and auditory hallucinations.

Some of the most popular psychiatric medications are:

• LSD
• Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
• Mescaline
• MDMA drug
• Divine sage
• Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)

Many psychedelics, including psilocybin and mescaline, are found naturally in plants and fungi, while other drugs – such as LSD – are produced in laboratories.

The drug can be used for different purposes. Some cultures have used them for centuries in religious and spiritual practices, while other people use them for entertainment, self-exploration, and other similar purposes.

Although many psychedelic drugs are illegal in the United States, there have been Growing interest in the therapeutic use of drugs In recent years, including the treatment of chronic pain.

Interaction between narcotics and opioids

The interaction between narcotics and opioids depends largely on the dose of opioids and the type of narcotic you are taking.

A study on interactions between opioids and hallucinogens found that low doses of opioids tend to weaken the effects of DMT and LSD, while higher doses enhance their effects. However, the study was conducted on mice, so it’s not entirely clear how the combination of the drug and opioids affects humans.

However, what is clear is that Confusing narcotics with opioids can be very dangerous It should be avoided.

The dangers and dangers of mixing narcotics and opioids

The main risk of mixing narcotics and opioids to treat chronic pain is opioid overdose– A potentially life-threatening condition Which must be treated as quickly as possible. Otherwise, it may lead to coma, brain damage and death.

If you or someone you love shows the following signs after mixing narcotics and opioids, it’s best to assume it’s an opioid overdose and call 911 immediately:

• confusion
• difficulty breathing
• Unconsciousness
• Paleness and discolouration of the skin and lips
• Identify the students
• Slow heartbeat
• Vomiting

Besides, mixing anesthetics and opioids can also lead to depression of the function of the respiratory system and central nervous system.

How to use opioids safely to treat chronic pain

Here are some guidelines you should follow when taking opioids to treat chronic pain to reduce your risk of addiction and overdose:

• Take opioids exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not use opioids that have been prescribed for someone else.
• Store your medications safely, out of reach of children and pets.
• Never increase your dose of opioids without consulting your doctor.
• Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking these medications.
• Do not mix opioids with alcohol and medications that interact with opioids, such as tranquilizers.
• Tell your doctor about any other substances you take (including herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, etc.).

Final thoughts

We hope this article has cleared up any questions you have about mixing psychedelics and opioids.

The bottom line is that if you are prescribed opioids to treat chronic pain, you should refrain from taking them with any other substances without consulting your doctor. Opioids can interact with many medications, from tranquilizers to narcotics. Combining them may cause health problems and increase the risk of a fatal overdose.

Not to mention, you may accidentally take a larger dose of opioids than intended while under the influence of narcotics, which is another reason you should never mix these substances.

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