Opana Side Effects: The Long Term Effects of Opana

For many, opana is an entity heard about through the news, through podcasts, radio, and newspaper updates that give us the current death toll due to the Opana side effects or overdoses, but what is opana? And why are the side effects of opana becoming more and more common?

What is Opana?

In direct terms opana is an extremely potent, synthetic opioid analgesic. It’s a powerful painkiller, that works wonders for patients suffering from severe, chronic pains. Unfortunately, with this effective treatment, comes a high potential for recreational abuse. Opana is even stronger than morphine, depending on the source, and the method administered, but it is certainly the cause for a significant amount of overdose deaths across the globe.

There are three basic ways that Opana is administered: orally, nasally, and through injection. Injections are the most common when used recreationally, and they are also the most likely method of administering to cause the deadly side effects of opana to manifest themselves.

Opana Side Effects:

  • Upset Stomach, Nausea, and Vomiting
  • Constipation, or Trouble with Bowel Movements
  • Heart Palpitations, or Slowed Heart Rate
  • Labored or Trouble Breathing
  • Trouble Focusing or Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Aches and Pains
  • Exhaustion or Trouble Moving
  • Excessive or Irregular Sweating
  • Itchy Skin
  • Constricted Pupils
  • Increased Risk of Seizures

Currently, the DEA classifies opana as a Schedule II substance. This relates to the drugs high potential for abuse, and it’s dangerous nature. Opana addiction is quick, and places the user in vice-like grip. Because of this, prescription use is generally under strict supervision by medically trained physicians.

What Are the Side Effects of Opana Withdrawal?

In most cases, the side effects of opana come in the form of respiratory failure. Being as potent as the drug is, opana is generally reserved for opioid tolerant patients or patients with pain severe enough to warrant a substance stronger than morphine. If a recreational user is used to the dose amounts associated with heroin or morphine, than they may be inclined to use much more opana than is considered safe, presenting a major risk for opana overdose. Even worse, if a person who has never used opioids attempts to experiment with opana, they are almost guaranteed to witness the opana abuse side effects first hand, as the drug is so potent that using it without prior opioid experience presents a major risk of the long term effects of opana and death due to opana overdose.

The Risks Associated with Opana Side Effects

As we mentioned before, one of the biggest risks associated with the side effects of opana is respiratory failure. When used in heavy doses, opana slows the heart rate and breathing of the user, producing the slow and sloth-like behavior that we generally associate with opioid use. However, due to opana high potency, breathing may slow to an almost non-existent rate before the user has to time to register that their body is failing them. The nature of the opana abuse side effects is perfectly illustrated in this situation, it’s fast acting, powerful, and in most cases a opana overdose is over before the user has time to respond.

Perhaps the scariest thing about the risk in opana overdose, and opana related deaths, is that many of the users that fall victim to these do not know that they are using opana. It’s common practice amongst recreational heroin dealers to mix opana, which is generally cheaper and more potent than heroin, with other opioids in order to cut costs while getting users hooked on a more addicted and potent product. While this may result in better profits for the dealer, it results in the long term effects of opana and death for a large amount of unsuspecting users.

Here are a number of signs and symptoms of opana overdose to look out for:

  • Trouble Swallowing
  • Extreme Fatigue or Exhaustion
  • Fainting, Lightheadedness, or Dizziness
  • Labored Breathing, Respiratory Arrest
  • Heart Palpitations, or Cardiac Arrest
  • Lack of Response to Pain
  • Trouble Focusing or Extreme Confusion
  • Trouble Responding to Words or Normal Stimulus
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.