Although the terms opioid and opiate are often used interchangeably they are not synonyms.
An opioid is any chemical that binds to the opioid receptors in the body.
These receptors are primarily located in the nervous system, both in the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system.
Opiates are drugs derived directly from the resin of the opium poppy.
Examples of opiates are codeine,morphine and opium.
Opioids are among the oldest known drugs, with the use of the opium poppy for therapeutic effects occurring before recorded human history.
The rise of Great Britain to greatness was not in small part due to the opium trade with the Orient.
Many opioids are available today, most synthetically derived and not opiates.
Examples of opioids that are not opiates include oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and others,Opioids are used therapeutically primarily for their analgesic, or pain relieving effect.
Despite the serious potential side effects, and knows addiction issues, opioids remain the primary analgesic used for moderate to severe pain.
This whole class of drugs has more similarities than differences.
All of the drugs can cause constipation, sedation, and itching as common side effects.
Physical tolerance develops fairly quickly to opioids sedative and respiratory depression effects.
A dose that is needed for an opioid tolerant patient to get adequate pain relief may be a lethal dose to a patient with little or no previous experience with this class of medication.
Abuse and addiction of these drugs is very common.
Death from prescription narcotic abuse is now several times more common than from heroin abuse in the US.