Opioid Adverse Effects and Opioid-Induced Hypogonadism

Opioids are potent pain relievers and have been used as analgesics for centuries. Unfortunately, adverse effects related to opioids may result in discontinuation of these medications and other potentially worse outcomes. An understanding of the major adverse effects of opioids as well as knowledge of how to evaluate and manage these adverse effects will improve a physician’s ability to successfully treat patients requiring opioids. In this chapter, we will review opioid-related nausea and vomiting, constipation, neuroendocrine effects, immune effects, respiratory depression, central nervous system effects, and pruritis.