What is a common side effect of opioid analgesics?

Opioid analgesics are commonly used for pain management, but they come with a range of potential side effects due to their action on the central nervous system. One of the most concerning and well-documented side effects is respiratory depression. Opioids exert their effects by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which not only blocks the perception of pain but can also depress the brain's ability to regulate breathing. This is especially significant at higher doses, where the risk increases, potentially leading to hypoventilation or even respiratory arrest in severe cases.

While nausea is indeed a frequent side effect of opioids, it is generally not as severe or life-threatening as respiratory depression. Insomnia, while a possible effect, is less commonly associated with opioid use and more often results from underlying pain conditions or withdrawal effects. Hypertension is not a typical side effect of opioids; in fact, they may often induce hypotension due to vasodilation. Therefore, respiratory depression stands out as a critical and potentially fatal side effect that requires careful monitoring when administering opioid analgesics.