Why Are Opioids Used for Breathlessness?

Opioids are morphine-based medicines commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. In much lower doses, they can also help relieve long-term breathlessness.

These medicines have been used safely for many years to help people whose breathlessness has not improved with other treatments.

Low-dose opioids may help you:

• Feel less breathless
• Feel more relaxed
• Make everyday activities easier

Not everyone benefits from opioid treatment. If you don’t notice an improvement, speak to your healthcare professional.

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Which Medicines Are Used?

The opioids most commonly prescribed for breathlessness are:

• Oramorph® (liquid morphine)
• OxyNorm® (liquid or capsule oxycodone)

Your healthcare professional will prescribe the medicine and dose that is most suitable for you.

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How Should I Take My Medication?

Your healthcare professional will explain how and when to take your medication.

You may be advised to take opioids:

• At regular times each day
• When you become breathless
• Before activities that usually make you breathless

These medicines usually begin working within 30 minutes.

If you are prescribed liquid medication, use an oral syringe to measure each dose accurately. If you have not been given one, your pharmacist can provide one.

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Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, opioids can cause side effects, although many people experience few or none.

Possible side effects include:

• Feeling sick
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Itching

Drowsiness and itching often improve as your body becomes used to the medication.

If you experience troublesome side effects or have any concerns, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive?

You may be able to drive once you have been taking the same dose for at least five days, provided the medication does not make you feel drowsy.

Do not drive if you feel sleepy or unable to drive safely.

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Can I drink alcohol?

Alcohol can increase the drowsy effects of opioids.

You should:

• Avoid alcohol when starting treatment or after your dose has increased.
• Avoid alcohol before driving or operating machinery.
• Speak to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure whether alcohol is safe for you.

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Will I become addicted?

The very small doses used to treat breathlessness are not expected to cause addiction.

Over time, your body may become used to the medication, meaning it becomes less effective. This is known as tolerance.

If your medication is no longer helping, or you no longer need it, it should be reduced gradually under medical supervision.

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Aren’t opioids only used at the end of life?

No.

Opioids are widely used to treat severe pain and can also be prescribed safely for other conditions, including long-term breathlessness.

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Why have I been given opioids instead of oxygen?

Oxygen is only helpful for people whose blood oxygen levels are low.

Some people have normal oxygen levels but still experience severe breathlessness.

In these situations, low-dose opioids may help reduce the sensation of breathlessness.

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The medicine leaflet says not to take opioids if you have breathing problems. Why have I been prescribed them?

The warning relates to the much larger doses used to treat severe pain.

For breathlessness, very small doses are prescribed and carefully monitored by your healthcare professional.

If you have any concerns, please speak to your respiratory team, GP or pharmacist.

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Further Information

If you have any questions about taking opioids for breathlessness, please contact the Community Respiratory Specialist Team.

Telephone: 0300 124 5909

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

You can also speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have questions about your medication.