Dr. Krusz is a recognized expert in the fields of
headache and Migraine treatment and pain treatment
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Hi there!
I have been taking OxyContin 20 mg. for my migraines. Also a Percocet 5 when the Oxy needs a "boost". I have been told by friends and relatives that opioid medications will destroy my internal organs. Is this TRUE? I have suffered from migraines for nearly 50 years and these meds. do help a lot, but I don't want to risk the loss of an internal organ either. Don't nearly all meds. have some kind of adverse reaction to the internal organs? Please advise me as to what I should do! I can lead a normal life with these meds. or lay in bed all day in agony with a migraine. Thanks,
S.

REPLY:
Dear S:
Your relatives' statement about the opiate(s) you take may well stem from a fear for I don't know what. Opiates do not "destroy" internal organs, but they might cause a large amount of constipation as a side effect. Very few medications have severe adverse effects on "internal organs", but you should always speak in detail with your physician about any side effects. Unfortunately, sometimes opiates can cause what we call analgesic rebound headaches, which can trap a person into staying on the medication in order to ward off the next (returning) headache. A headache specialist may be able to give some better alternatives
John Claude Krusz

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