Signs and Symptoms of Opiates/Opioids

Street Names: Oxys, Hydros, T-3 (Tylenol with codeine), Percs (Percocet/Percodan)

Method of Use: Swallowed, Smoked, Snorted (crushed into powder), Injected

Pain Medications

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Propoxyphene (Darvon)
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
• Morphine
• Fentanyl
• Codeine

Symptoms/Effects of Use

• Pain relief
• Euphoria
• Drowsiness/sedation
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Respiratory depression/arrest
• Vivid nightmares
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Unconsciousness
• Coma
• Tolerance
• Death (especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol)

What to Look For

• Dilated pupils
• Doctor shopping
• Missing medication
• Relaxed and oblivious to surroundings
• Fall in and out of sleep (“nodding off”)
• Uncoordinated and unbalanced (difficulty standing/sitting straight)

Withdrawals Symptoms

• Restlessness
• Muscle and bone pain
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Cold flashes with goose bumps (referred to as “cold turkey”)
• Involuntary leg movements

Note: Each person may experience different symptoms/effects. This list is not inclusive. For more information, visit www.drugabuse.gov