When it comes to combating pain, opioids are among the most effective medications. But opioid-based pain therapy has its downsides: patients can develop tolerances and ever higher doses are necessary to achieve the same effect. Above all, opioids can be addictive, and there is a risk of fatal respiratory depression in the event of an overdose or interaction with other substances. All of these side effects significantly limit the clinical use of opioids.
