Prescription opioid analgesics affect the way the brain responds to pain. Since the brain controls important body functions, misuse can cause serious problems.

• Taking a single dose that's too large can result in severe breathing difficulty and could be fatal.

• Combining with other medications or alcohol can result in severe breathing difficulties or could be fatal.

• Continuous overuse can lead to tolerance to prescription opioid analgesics.

• Long-term misuse of prescription opioid analgesics can lead to physical dependence. These conditions or symptoms of withdrawal include diarrhea, vomiting, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, involuntary muscle spasms and general restlessness.

• Long-term misuse may lead to addiction in some people.

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