Persistent drowsiness at a dose that does not relieve pain may be a sign of a specific type of pain that does not respond well to narcotics (opioids). Adjuvant analgesics are other medicines used to relieve pain that is not responding to narcotics.

If the feeling of sedation continues, and your pain is responding to the pain reliever, your doctor may prescribe a stimulant to counteract the sedating effects of the narcotic.

By using a combination of medicines, you may be able both to relieve pain and control sedation.