W-18 (drug)

W-18 is a synthetic opioid and an analgesic medication that was first developed in the 1980s by the pharmaceutical company, Chemical and Biological Sciences of the University of Alberta. It is one of the most potent opioids known, significantly more potent than morphine.

History

W-18 was first synthesized in 1984 as part of a series of 32 compounds. The aim was to develop a new analgesic that was less addictive and had fewer side effects than traditional opioids. However, despite its promising properties, W-18 never made it past pre-clinical trials.

Pharmacology

W-18 is a member of the 4-Phenylpiperidine class of synthetic opioids. It is believed to act as a mu-opioid receptor agonist, although its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. W-18 is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 10,000 times more potent than codeine.

Legal Status

Due to its high potency and potential for abuse, W-18 is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States and a Schedule I controlled substance in Canada. It is also controlled under the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Health Risks

The use of W-18 poses significant health risks. Due to its high potency, there is a high risk of overdose, which can lead to respiratory depression and death. Furthermore, as a synthetic opioid, W-18 may be mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

See Also

• Fentanyl
• Carfentanil
• Opioid epidemic