Worried about opioids?
If you are worried about taking opioid painkillers, speak to your doctor or nurse.
You can speak to our specialist nurses on our free Support Line with any questions about opioids.
What's in the 'Pain and pancreatic cancer' information section?
- Managing pancreatic cancer pain
- What is pain and what causes it?
- Types of pancreatic cancer pain
- Who can help manage my pain?
- Painkillers for pancreatic cancer pain
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol
- Opioid painkillers for pancreatic cancer
- Common concerns about opioid painkillers
- What if my pain relief isn’t working?
- Other types of pain relief for pancreatic cancer
- How does a nerve block treat pancreatic cancer pain?
- Dealing with pancreatic cancer pain
Do not stop taking opioids without talking to your doctor first. Stopping opioids suddenly can make you very unwell.
Can I get addicted to opioid painkillers?
Addiction shouldn’t be a problem for people with cancer if they take their painkillers as prescribed by their doctor.
Very occasionally, your body can get used to a painkiller if you take it for a long time. This means that a stronger dose, or a different painkiller is needed to have the same effect on your pain. This is known as drug tolerance, which is very different to drug addiction.
Some people worry there will not be a stronger painkiller available if they need it later. But there are many options, so it is important to take your painkillers or increase the dose when prescribed. Your doctor or nurse will help you manage this.
If you are worried about becoming addicted to opioid painkillers, speak to your doctor or nurse. They can explain how the dose is worked out, and can discuss your concerns.
Is there a risk of an overdose on opioid painkillers?
It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions when taking your painkillers, and don’t take more than they have prescribed. If the painkillers don’t control your pain properly, speak to your doctor or nurse.
Do not stop taking your opioids without discussing this with your doctor first.
Will opioid painkillers make me confused or hallucinate?
Some opioid painkillers can cause confusion or sensing things that aren’t there (hallucinations). But this is rare. Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if the painkillers cause confusion or hallucinations. They will check to see if there is anything else that might be causing this.
Can I drive if I take opioid painkillers?
Your doctor or nurse should tell you if your painkillers will make you feel sleepy, and if this may affect your driving. You should not drive if you feel sleepy, if you have just started a new type of pain relief, or if you have recently changed the dose. Your doctor or nurse can tell you how long to avoid driving for.
You are legally allowed to drive if you are taking opioid painkillers as prescribed and they don’t affect your ability to drive. You should carry proof that you have been given opioids for a medical condition, for example, a copy of your prescription.
The Department for Transport has more information about driving while taking strong painkillers.
“ Keep persisting until you receive all the advice and support you need. There’s no such thing as a silly question and sometimes if you don’t ask you don’t get.”
Can I drink alcohol while taking strong painkillers?
Alcohol and other medicines can affect the way your painkillers work, or cause side effects such as tiredness. Speak to your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking opioid painkillers.
Do stronger painkillers mean my cancer is getting worse?
Taking a strong painkiller does not mean your cancer is growing or spreading. Lots of different things can affect the pain you feel. The strength of your painkiller can be reduced or increased as your pain gets better or worse. If you are taking strong painkillers, it does not mean you will always have to take them.
Speak to our nurses
Updated April 2025
To be reviewed April 2028