Major Research Findings

Oxymorphone is an opioid drug that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a powerful analgesic, but it can also cause a number of side effects. The side effects of oxymorphone are similar to those of other opioids, such as morphine. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. 12 、 23 、 18 、 7 、 Oxymorphone is often prescribed to patients who have chronic pain, such as cancer pain, and it can also be used to treat acute pain, such as postoperative pain. 18 、 Oxymorphone is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. 、 7 Some studies have shown that oxymorphone may be less likely to cause nausea, hallucinations, and pruritus than morphine. 23 、 21 、 18 、 However, it is important to note that oxymorphone can still cause these side effects in some patients. 23 、 18 Oxymorphone has a faster onset of action and a shorter duration of action than morphine. 20 、、 7 This makes it a good option for patients who need quick pain relief. 20 、、 7 It is also important to note that oxymorphone can interact with other medications. 7 If you are taking other medications, be sure to tell your doctor before starting oxymorphone.

Reasons for Side Effects

Oxymorphone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors are responsible for regulating pain, mood, and other functions. When oxymorphone binds to these receptors, it can cause a number of side effects. 12 、 23 、 18 、 15 、 25 The side effects of oxymorphone are not always predictable and can vary from person to person. 23 、 18 They can also be affected by factors such as age, health status, and the dose of oxymorphone being taken. 23 、 18 Oxymorphone can also interact with other medications, which can increase the risk of side effects. 7 If you are taking any other medications, be sure to tell your doctor before taking oxymorphone.

Common Side Effects

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of oxymorphone. 23 、 18 It is caused by the drug’s effects on the digestive system. 23 、 18 You can help to reduce nausea by eating small, frequent meals and avoiding fatty foods. 23 、 18 Your doctor may also prescribe an anti-nausea medication.

Constipation

Constipation is another common side effect of oxymorphone. 23 、 18 This is caused by the drug’s effects on the muscles in the digestive system. 23 、 18 To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids. 23 、 18 Your doctor may also prescribe a stool softener or laxative.

Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a common side effect of oxymorphone. 23 、 18 It is caused by the drug’s effects on the central nervous system. 23 、 18 If you feel drowsy, avoid driving or operating machinery. 23 、 18 You should also get plenty of rest.

Respiratory Depression

Respiratory depression is a serious side effect of oxymorphone. 23 、 18 It is caused by the drug’s effects on the respiratory center in the brain. 23 、 18 If you experience respiratory depression, you may have difficulty breathing or you may stop breathing altogether. 23 、 18 Respiratory depression is a medical emergency, so call your doctor immediately if you experience it.

Side Effects Management

Nausea

You can help to reduce nausea by eating small, frequent meals and avoiding fatty foods. 23 、 18 Your doctor may also prescribe an anti-nausea medication.

Constipation

To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids. 23 、 18 Your doctor may also prescribe a stool softener or laxative.

Drowsiness

If you feel drowsy, avoid driving or operating machinery. 23 、 18 You should also get plenty of rest.

Respiratory Depression

Respiratory depression is a medical emergency, so call your doctor immediately if you experience it. 23 、 18

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities

Many studies suggest that oxymorphone may be less likely to cause nausea, hallucinations, and pruritus than morphine. 23 、 21 、 18 、 Oxymorphone also has a faster onset of action and a shorter duration of action than morphine. 20 、、 7

Differences

Some studies suggest that the route of administration of oxymorphone can affect the risk of side effects. 2 For example, oral administration may be associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects, while injection or transdermal absorption may be associated with a higher risk of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). 2

Important Notes about Using Oxymorphone in Real Life

Oxymorphone is a powerful analgesic, but it’s important to use it safely and responsibly. 12 、 23 、 18 Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and report any side effects to your doctor immediately. 23 、 18 Oxymorphone can interact with other medications, so tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting oxymorphone. 7 Do not drink alcohol or use illicit drugs while taking oxymorphone, as this can increase the risk of side effects. 3 Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how oxymorphone affects you. 23 、 18 If you experience any of the following side effects, seek medical attention immediately: 23 、 18

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Limitations of Current Research

There is still much that we do not know about oxymorphone. 23 、 18 More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of oxymorphone, particularly in regards to addiction. 23 、 18 It is also important to conduct more research on the effects of oxymorphone in different patient populations and in different situations. 23 、 18 This research will help us to better understand how to use oxymorphone safely and effectively.

Future Research Directions

Future research on oxymorphone should focus on understanding the long-term effects of the drug, particularly in regards to addiction. 23 、 18 It is also important to conduct more research on the effects of oxymorphone in different patient populations and in different situations. 23 、 18 This research will help us to better understand how to use oxymorphone safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Oxymorphone is a powerful analgesic that can provide effective pain relief. 12 、 23 、 18 、 7 、 However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of oxymorphone and to use it safely and responsibly. 23 、 18 If you are prescribed oxymorphone, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and report any side effects to your doctor immediately. 23 、 18 With careful monitoring and management, oxymorphone can be a safe and effective treatment for pain.