Short term effects of narcotic analgesics
When injected, the effects are immediate and pronounced. The main effects include

• Short lived state of euphoria during which feelings of hunger and pain are not felt.
• Mental clouding– impairment of intellectual processes.
• Drowsiness, apathy, decreased physical activity.
• Reduced heart rate and blood pressure.
• Constipation.
• Constriction of pupils.
• A few adverse reaction may also appear.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Dysphoria (A feeling of unpleasantness).
• Increase sensitivity to pain after the initial effects wears off.
• Itchy skin.

Narcotic Analgesics – Long term effect

• Severe constipation
• Contracted pupils
• Moodiness
• Abscesses (pus formation)
• Liver damage
• Tetanous
• Brain damage
• Infection can be caused by unsterile needles
• Chronic uses may develop lung problems due to its effect on respiratory system.

Withdrawal symptoms

• The withdrawal symptoms of narcotic analgesics are more painful and severe.
• The severity of withdrawals will depend on the type of narcotic used, the amount, the duration of use and the general health condition of the person.
• Initial phase symptoms resemble those of moderately severe bout of influenza.

Symptoms after 8–12 hours after the last dose

• Watery discharge from eyes and nose, yawning and perspiration.
• Restlessness, Irritability, loss of appetite, tremors, pupilary dilation, yawning and severe sneezing also occur.

Symptoms after 48–72 hours after the last dose

• Nausea vomiting.
• Stomach cramps and diarrhoea are common.
• Heart rate and blood pressure are elevated.
• Pain in the bones and muscles.
• Chills alternating with flushing and excessive sweating are also characteristic symptoms.
• At this time the individual may develop suicidal tendencies.