Defining Opiates And Opioids
Teodolinda Mattson
Defining Opiates and Opioids
Opiates and opioids are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and origins. Both are types of narcotics, which are substances that induce sleepiness or numbness and reduce pain. However, the main difference between them is how they are made: opiates are natural compounds derived from opium poppies, while opioids are either semi-synthetic or synthetic compounds made in a laboratory. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between opiates and opioids, as well as their effects and risks.
Opiates
Opiates are substances that can be extracted from the flowering opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). The word "opiate" comes from the Latin word "opium", which means "poppy juice". Some examples of opiates are:
- Morphine. Morphine is a prescription pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe acute and chronic pain. It is also the main active ingredient in heroin, a highly addictive and illegal drug.
- Codeine. Codeine is used to treat mild to moderate pain and also diarrhea. It is sometimes mixed with other drugs in over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, or cough syrup and cold medication.
- Opium. Opium is made from poppy latex, the milky substance in poppy pods. This sticky, smelly gum is sometimes eaten as is or manufactured into powder or syrup that is smoked, made into pills, or added to drinks.
Opiates work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are part of the body's natural pain-relieving system. Opiates can block pain signals from reaching the brain, as well as produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and sedation. However, opiates also have many side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, drowsiness, respiratory depression, and addiction. Overdose of opiates can cause coma and death.
Opioids
Opioids are substances that act on the same opioid receptors as opiates, but they are not derived from opium poppies. Opioids can be either semi-synthetic or synthetic. Semi-synthetic opioids are produced in a laboratory using opiates as a starting material, while synthetic opioids are entirely man-made. Some examples of opioids are:
- Oxycodone. Oxycodone is chemically similar to morphine and used to treat moderate to severe acute pain. It is usually mixed with other pain-relieving drugs. Pure oxycodone is sold under the brand name OxyContin, but oxycodone is most often combined with other pain drugs and sold under the brand names Roxicodone, Percocet, and Percodan.
- Hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is a lot like oxycodone, but it is mostly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain that is long lasting, such as cancer pain. It is sold under the brand name Vicodin.
- Fentanyl. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and used to treat severe pain after surgery or to treat people with chronic pain who have a tolerance to other opioids. It is also sold illegally as a street drug that is often mixed with heroin or cocaine.
- Methadone. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is used to treat pain, but it is also used with counseling and other therapies in medically assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Methadone can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for other opioids.
Opioids have similar effects and side effects as opiates, but they may vary in potency, duration of action, and risk of addiction. Some opioids are more powerful than others, which means they can cause more harm if misused or overdosed. Some opioids also have longer-lasting effects than others, which means they can stay in the body for longer periods of time and increase the risk of dependence and withdrawal.
Conclusion
Opiates and opioids are both types of narcotics that can relieve pain and produce euphoria, but they differ in how they are made: opiates are natural compounds from opium poppies, while opioids are semi-synthetic or synthetic compounds from a laboratory. Both opiates and opioids have benefits and risks, and they should be used with caution and under medical supervision. Abuse of opiates and opioids can lead to addiction, overdose, and death.
References:
- [Opiate vs. Opioid: What's the Difference? - Healthline]
- [Opioid vs Opiate - What's the difference between them? - Drugs.com]
- [Opiates or Opioids What's the difference? - Oregon.gov]
- [Commonly Used Terms Opioids CDC]