A study by Washington University in Missouri and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that a higher rate of long COVID patients are being prescribed opioid treatment. 

According to Dr. Bill Cornwell, a cardiologist with University of Colorado Hospital, opioids are effective, but they are addictive and there are side effects. Currently, they are not the recommended first-line treatment for pain, unless there is no other option.

So why are long haulers getting prescribed opioids for symptoms?

Effects of Long COVID

Currently, few doctors are able to help patients understand this difficult condition as it varies so greatly from person to person. They cannot pinpoint how long symptoms may last or predict what the severity could be.

“It’s two steps forward, and one step back, and your step back can come absolutely out of nowhere, according to Dayne Pillow, a COVID-19 long-hauler. The overwhelming symptom he experienced was vertigo, which caused him to trip and bump into his surroundings. He found some relief through physical therapy, but the method was not a panacea for his symptoms.

The lack of knowledge of the breadth of the condition and a lack of guidance on what treatment plan is most effective are challenges for physicians.

What’s A Better Alternative to Opioids?

Basic exercise can be beneficial; even gradual exercise can improve symptoms. Lead researcher of the study, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, also explained that physical therapy, Tylenol® (acetaminophen), or non-steroidals, as options that should be exhausted prior to opioid treatment.

He explains that if opioids are to be used then they “should be used as a last resort, at a low dose, and for a short period of time.”

Additional information on the topic can be found in the article “Washington University researchers warn a growing number of doctors are prescribing opioids for COVID long-haulers” on Fox2Now Missouri’s website.

Rachel Skytta. [May 24, 2021]. Opioid treatment in COVID long-haulers sparks concern [Video file]. Retrieved from https://kdvr.com/news/coronavirus/opioid-treatment-in-covid-long-haulers-sparks-concern/

Much about the novel coronavirus, i.e., COVID-19, is still not fully understood. As research progresses and our knowledge of the virus increases, information can change rapidly. We strive to update all of our articles as quickly as possible, but there may occasionally be some lag between scientific developments and our revisions.