Opio

Overview of the opioid class of drugs

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. These drugs are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain.

Medical Uses

Opioids are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia. Other medical uses include suppression of diarrhea, replacement therapy for opioid use disorder, reversing opioid overdose, and suppressing cough.

Pain Management

Opioids are effective for the management of acute pain (such as pain following surgery) and various types of chronic pain, although the latter is controversial due to the risk of addiction and other side effects.

Opioid Use Disorder

Opioids can be used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. Medications such as methadone and buprenorphine are used to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects

Common side effects of opioids include drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea, constipation, and euphoria. At higher doses, opioids can cause respiratory depression and death.

Risks and Addiction

Opioids are highly addictive, and their misuse can lead to opioid use disorder, overdose, and death. The opioid epidemic is a serious public health crisis, particularly in the United States.

Overdose

An opioid overdose can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include slow breathing, unresponsiveness, and blue lips or fingernails. Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.

See Also

• Opioid epidemic
• Opioid use disorder
• Pain management
• Naloxone

External Links

• CDC - Opioid Overdose
• SAMHSA - Medication-Assisted Treatment