What are the Effects of Pain Medicine and Anxiety Medicines?

By Laxmaiah Manchikanti, MD and Mahendra Sanapati, MD

    Commonly used pain medications, or opioids, and anxiety medications, or benzodiazepines, are associated with many side effects and complications. Combining opioids with benzodiazepines is considered as more dangerous and addictive. Similarly, combining opioids, benzodiazepines, and some of the muscle relaxants is concerning.
    These medications cause tolerance, meaning that you require increasing doses of the medication to get the same effect, followed by physical dependence, leading to addiction and sometimes opioid-induced hyperalgesia, meaning more pain as you increase the dosage.
    People with syndrome, supplemental oxygen therapy, heavy smoking, cardiovascular disorders, renal dysfunction,

obesity, immunosuppression, psychological disorders, and pregnant patients are at increased risk. Opioids can cause multiple problems with sexual dysfunction, loss of energy, immunosuppression, and hormonal problems. Central nervous system issues are related to confusion, depression, anxiety, and reduced sleep. More commonly dry mouth, constipation, nausea, and vomiting are seen.
    An interventional pain physician can assess appropriate indications and medical necessity for opioids and other drugs and may provide them in low doses in conjunction with other modalities of treatments to reduce pain, increase function, and help make life easier to live.

Founders of Pain Management Centers of America

Laxmaiah Manchikanti, MD and Mahendra Sanapati, MD