Are you struggling with unbearable, persistent pain? Maybe you can't control that pain with regular painkillers. There is a specific class of drugs that doctors recommend to control such severe pain. Levorphanol is one such powerful painkiller. So today, let's talk about this drug, how it works, what to be careful about while using it, and its side effects.
What kind of medicine is Levorphanol?
Simply put, Levorphanol is a medication used to treat severe pain. It is prescribed by a doctor when other painkillers have not helped or when the body cannot tolerate them. It belongs to a class of drugs called opioids .
This works by blocking pain signals that go to our brain. Imagine, when we feel pain somewhere in our body, that message travels through the nerves to the brain and we feel "hurt." What this medicine does is block the path that carries that message. So the feeling of pain decreases.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Because Levorphanol is a very strong drug, your doctor needs to have a complete picture of your health. If you have any of the conditions listed below, it is essential that you tell your doctor without hiding anything .
| Your condition or habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Head and brain related problems | Conditions like a brain tumor, head injury, and seizures. |
| Diseases of internal organs | Diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs (such as asthma, COPD), gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid gland. |
| Other health conditions | Low adrenal gland function, difficulty urinating, intestinal problems. |
| Habits and mental health | Frequent alcohol use, a history of substance use disorder, and mental illness. |
| Use of other medications | If you have taken MAOI antidepressants (such as Marplan, Nardil) in the past 14 days. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a nursing mother. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Levorphanol or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly when using this medicine.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Take only the prescribed amount, when prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
- This can be taken before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Your doctor or pharmacist may give you a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) when you are prescribed this medicine. If you receive one, read it carefully each time.
Warning: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never share it with anyone else. It is dangerous and illegal.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Levorphanol can interact with other drugs, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and dangerous breathing problems. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely.
- Other medications: Medications for anxiety or sleep, antidepressants, antihistamines, epilepsy medications, muscle relaxants, and other strong painkillers may interact with this medication.
Things to consider when taking medication
Pain and medication dosage
When you take this medicine for a while, your body can get used to it. This is called tolerance . This means that the dose you took before is no longer enough to control the pain, and you may need a slightly higher dose. This is normal.
The important thing is that tolerance and addiction are two different things . If you are taking this medicine on medical advice for pain, it is not addictive. So if you need to change the dosage, talk to your doctor about it.
Stopping the medication
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. If your doctor wants to stop taking the medicine, he will gradually reduce the dose.
Excessive sleepiness and attention
This medicine may make you feel sleepy and dizzy. So, until you know how it affects you , do not drive or operate machinery. Get up slowly, such as when getting up from a sitting position.
Constipation
Constipation is a common side effect of opioid painkillers. If you have difficulty having a bowel movement for more than 3 days, talk to your doctor. Drinking plenty of water and eating a high-fiber diet can help.
Be aware of Naloxone
Naloxone is a life-saving emergency medicine given in the event of an opioid overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include extreme drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and inability to speak to wake you up. If you are taking this powerful painkiller, it is important to let your family know about Naloxone, where it is stored, and how to use it.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, Levorphanol can cause side effects. Some are minor, but others require immediate attention.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, inability to wake up, confusion. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Adrenal gland problems | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness, dizziness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Dizziness |
| Drowsiness | Dry mouth |
| Headache | Nausea and vomiting (Nausea, Vomiting) |
How to protect the medicine?
Because this is a powerful medicine, it is very important to keep it safe.
- It's best if you can keep it locked up and out of reach of children and pets.
- This medicine can be abused, so protect it from theft.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Properly dispose of unused, leftover, or expired pills. In some cases, to prevent accidental use by someone else (especially a child), you may be advised to flush them down the toilet. Check with your doctor or the instructions provided.
Take-Home Message
- Levorphanol is a powerful medication that should only be used for severe pain, on the recommendation of a doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. Avoid driving as it may cause excessive drowsiness.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, excessive drowsiness, or allergic reactions.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Keep this medicine in a locked safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Never share it with anyone else.
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