Opiods – What Are They?
According to Web MD
Also called narcotics, opioids are a kind of pain medication your doctor may give you after an accident or surgery, or as a treatment for a chronic disease like arthritis. Most are made from the opium plant, but some (called synthetic opioids) are made in a lab. Either way, they affect the reward center of your brain and boost your levels of certain brain chemicals that block pain, slow your breathing, and generally make you feel calm.\
Types
Opioids have different strengths, and some are legal and some aren’t. Examples include:
- Codeine
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet)
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Lortab, Norco, Vicodin)
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Heroin
Short-Acting vs. Long-Acting
Short-acting opioids, like Vicodin or Percocet, get medication into your system quickly. When you take them as directed, like immediately after surgery, you probably won’t have any issues. But if you take them for too long, it may be hard to stop. Long-acting opioids, like OxyContin, give your body a smaller amount of medication over a longer time. They’re used to treat diseases that cause chronic pain, like fibromyalgia or arthritis.
