Painkiller addiction warning as opioid prescriptions rise by 25% in eight years

The study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology also recorded a 389% rise in use of tapentadol (such as the Palexia brand) and a 104% rise in use of amitriptyline. Stock picture

The use of painkillers has jumped, with a 25% rise in opioid use and 50% increase in medication containing oxycodone, experts have said as they warn of addiction risks.

They also found Irish people use far more pain medication than patients in England, and called for better access to other types of treatment here.