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Opioid Analgesics

Opioid narcotics are naturally occuring, synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain. The site of action of opioids is in the brain where they decrease the perception of pain and the spinal cord where they modulate spinal transmission of pain signals.

Common drugs:

Combunox, Lortab, MS Contin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Percodan, Sublimaze, Vicodin and more

Common health state:

Currently, there are no supplements recommended when taking a drug that falls into this category.

Current research does not indicate that this supplement provides additional therapeutic benefits when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal may increase drowsiness and sedation when combined with other drugs that produce sedative effects including opioid narcotics. Caution patients about potential increased drowsiness if using this supplement with opioid narcotic drugs.

Melatonin

Melatonin may increase drowsiness and sedation when combined with other drugs that produce sedative effects including opioid narcotics. Caution patients about potential increased drowsiness if using this supplement with opioid narcotic drugs.

St. John’s Wort

St. John's wort induces both intestinal and liver metabolism (cytochrome P450 CYP3A) which can increase the clearance of a number of opioids and thus possibly decrease the effectiveness of these drugs.

Valerian

Valerian may increase drowsiness and sedation when combined with other drugs that produce sedative effects including opioid narcotics. Caution patients about potential increased drowsiness if using this supplement with opioid narcotic drugs.

Currently, there are no supplements that should be avoided when taking a drug that falls into this category.

The dietary supplement information contained on this site has been compiled from published sources thought to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed. Efforts have been made to assure this information is accurate and current. However, some of this information may be purported or outdated due to ongoing research or discoveries. The authors, editors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from applications of the information in this site and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the contents herein.