Opiate Library: Your Definitive Resource on Opioids & Opiates

Our Opiate Library serves as your one-stop destination for reliable information about the wide range of opiates and opioids currently available in the United States. Understanding these substances, their effects and potential risks empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Exploring the World of Opiates & Opioids

What are Opiates and Opioids?

• Opiates: Naturally occurring substances derived from the opium poppy plant, primarily used for pain relief and sedation. Common examples include morphine and codeine.
• Opioids: Synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of opiates, also primarily used for pain management. Examples include fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
• Mechanism of Action: Both opiates and opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain and body, leading to pain relief, euphoria, and other effects.

A-Z Listing of Opiates & Opioids in the US

Buprenorphine

• Brand Names & Street Names: Subutex, Suboxone, Zubsolv, “Subs”
• Medical Uses: Primarily used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. Also prescribed for pain management.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, provides pain relief.
  • Adverse: Can cause nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and respiratory depression (especially when misused with other sedatives).
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Although less likely than with full agonists, dependence can still occur.
  • Overdose: Risk is lower than with other opioids, but possible when combined with other drugs, especially benzodiazepines.
  • Withdrawal: Can occur if stopped abruptly, though generally milder than with other opioids.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, using it to get high, obtaining it illegally.

Butorphanol

• Brand Names & Street Names: Stadol, “Stads”
• Medical Uses: Primarily used for pain relief during labor and delivery, also available as a nasal spray for migraine treatment.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief, sedation.
  • Adverse: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Potential for abuse and dependence, especially with prolonged use.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: May experience withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly after prolonged use.
• Signs of Abuse: Using more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed, seeking multiple prescriptions, using it for non-medical purposes.

Codeine

• Brand Names & Street Names: Tylenol with Codeine, Robitussin AC, “Captain Cody,” “Schoolboy,” “Lean” (when mixed with soda and cough syrup)
• Medical Uses: Mild to moderate pain relief, cough suppression.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief, cough suppression, sedation, euphoria (at higher doses).
  • Adverse: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, respiratory depression.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Can lead to dependence and addiction, especially with prolonged use or high doses.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can experience withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly after prolonged use.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, using it for non-medical purposes, seeking multiple prescriptions, mixing it with other drugs or alcohol.

Fentanyl

• Brand Names & Street Names: Duragesic, Actiq, Subsys, “Apache,” “China girl,” “China white,” “Dance fever,” “Friend,” “Goodfella,” “Great bear,” “He-Man,” “Jackpot,” “King Ivory,” “Murder 8,” “Poison,” “Tango & Cash”
• Medical Uses: Primarily used for severe pain management, often in cancer patients or post-surgery. Also available in lozenge or nasal spray form for breakthrough pain.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Extremely potent pain relief, sedation, euphoria.
  • Adverse: Respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Highly addictive due to its potency and rapid onset of effects.
  • Overdose: Extremely high risk, even in tiny amounts. Can cause respiratory arrest and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can be severe and uncomfortable, including anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, and diarrhea.
• Signs of Abuse: Nodding off, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, difficulty concentrating, changes in mood or behavior.

Heroin

• Brand Names & Street Names: Diamorphine, “Smack,” “Dope,” “H,” “Brown Sugar,” “Black Tar”
• Medical Uses: None in the US; illegal substance.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Intense euphoria, pain relief, sedation.
  • Adverse: Respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, drowsiness, slowed heart rate.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Highly addictive with rapid development of tolerance and dependence.
  • Overdose: Extremely high risk due to potency and variable purity. Can cause respiratory arrest and death.
  • Withdrawal: Severe and prolonged, including anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Infectious Diseases: Increased risk of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other bloodborne infections due to needle sharing.
• Signs of Abuse: Track marks (from injections), pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, slurred speech, changes in behavior, financial problems.

Hydrocodone

• Brand Names & Street Names: Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, “Vikes,” “Hydros”
• Medical Uses: Moderate to severe pain relief.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief, euphoria, relaxation.
  • Adverse: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, respiratory depression.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: High potential for abuse and dependence, especially with prolonged use or high doses.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can be uncomfortable and include symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, and nausea.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, crushing or dissolving pills, seeking multiple prescriptions, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

Hydromorphone

• Brand Names & Street Names: Dilaudid, “Dillies,” “Hospital Heroin”
• Medical Uses: Severe pain management, often in hospital settings or for chronic pain conditions.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Potent pain relief, euphoria, sedation.
  • Adverse: Respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, confusion, itching.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Highly addictive due to its potency.
  • Overdose: Significant risk, especially when misused or combined with other substances. Can cause respiratory arrest and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can be intense and prolonged, with symptoms like anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, and vomiting.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, seeking multiple prescriptions, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms, using it for non-medical purposes.

Meperidine

• Brand Names & Street Names: Demerol, “Dems”
• Medical Uses: Less commonly used today due to potential side effects, but may still be prescribed for pain relief, particularly during procedures or in hospital settings.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief, sedation, euphoria.
  • Adverse: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, tremors, hallucinations.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Can lead to dependence and addiction.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, seizures, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can be uncomfortable and include symptoms like anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, and nausea.
  • Interactions: Can interact dangerously with other medications, especially MAO inhibitors.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, seeking multiple prescriptions, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms, using it for non-medical purposes.

Methadone

• Brand Names & Street Names: Dolophine, Methadose, “Juice,” “Fizz”
• Medical Uses: Pain management, particularly for chronic pain and cancer pain. Also used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.
• Effects:
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Can be addictive, especially when misused or not taken as prescribed.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can be prolonged and uncomfortable, including anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, muscle aches, and nausea.
  • Interactions: Can interact with other medications, affecting their efficacy or causing adverse reactions.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, using it for non-medical purposes, seeking multiple prescriptions, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

Morphine

• Brand Names & Street Names: MS Contin, Kadian, Avinza, “M,” “Miss Emma,” “Morpho”
• Medical Uses: Moderate to severe pain management, often used in hospital settings or for chronic pain conditions.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Potent pain relief, euphoria, sedation.
  • Adverse: Respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, confusion, itching.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Highly addictive, especially with prolonged use or misuse.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can be intense and include symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, sweating, and nausea.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, crushing or dissolving pills, seeking multiple prescriptions, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

Nalbuphine

• Brand Names & Street Names: Nubain
• Medical Uses: Primarily used for pain relief during labor and delivery, and occasionally for other types of pain.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief, sedation.
  • Adverse: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, hallucinations, nightmares.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Potential for abuse and dependence, especially with prolonged use.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: May experience withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly after prolonged use, especially if dependent on other opioids.
• Signs of Abuse: Using more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed, seeking multiple prescriptions, using it for non-medical purposes.

Oxycodone

• Brand Names & Street Names: OxyContin, Percocet, Roxicodone, “OC,” “Oxy,” “Kicker,” “Blues”
• Medical Uses: Prescribed for moderate to severe pain management.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief, euphoria, relaxation.
  • Adverse: Respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, confusion, itching.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Highly addictive, especially with prolonged use or misuse.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can be intense and include symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, sweating, and nausea.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, crushing or dissolving pills, seeking multiple prescriptions, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

Oxymorphone

• Brand Names & Street Names: Opana, “Pink,” “Stop Signs,” “New Blues”
• Medical Uses: Previously used for severe pain management, but the extended-release form was removed from the market due to abuse concerns. The immediate-release form is still available for certain uses.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Potent pain relief, euphoria, sedation.
  • Adverse: Respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, confusion, itching.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Highly addictive due to its potency.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can be severe and include symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, sweating, and nausea.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, crushing or dissolving pills, seeking multiple prescriptions, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

Pentazocine

• Brand Names & Street Names: Talwin, “Ts,” “Tallies”
• Medical Uses: Less commonly used today, but may still be prescribed for moderate to severe pain.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief, some sedation.
  • Adverse: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, confusion, hallucinations, respiratory depression (at high doses).
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Lower potential for abuse compared to other opioids, but dependence can still occur.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death, especially when combined with other substances.
  • Withdrawal: May experience withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly after prolonged use.
  • Psychotic Reactions: Can trigger hallucinations and other psychological disturbances, especially in individuals predisposed to mental health issues.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, seeking multiple prescriptions, using it for non-medical purposes, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

Percocet

• Brand Names & Street Names: Percocet, “Percs,” “Roxicets”
• Medical Uses: Prescribed for moderate to severe pain management.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief, euphoria, relaxation.
  • Adverse: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, respiratory depression, itching, confusion.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: High potential for abuse and dependence, especially with prolonged use or high doses. The combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen can lead to a faster progression to addiction.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death. Acetaminophen overdose can lead to severe liver damage.
  • Withdrawal: Can be uncomfortable and include symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, sweating, and nausea.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, crushing or dissolving pills, seeking multiple prescriptions, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

Tapentadol

• Brand Names & Street Names: Nucynta
• Medical Uses: Moderate to severe pain management, including acute pain and neuropathic pain.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief.
  • Adverse: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, fatigue.
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Potential for abuse and dependence, especially with prolonged use or high doses.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death.
  • Withdrawal: Can experience withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly after prolonged use.
  • Seizures: Increased risk of seizures, especially in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy.

Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, seeking multiple prescriptions, using it for non-medical purposes, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

Tramadol

• Brand Names & Street Names: Ultram, ConZip, “Trams,” “Ultracet”
• Medical Uses: Moderate to moderately severe pain management.
• Effects:
  • Desired: Pain relief.
  • Adverse: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, seizures (rare).
• Risks & Dangers:
  • Addiction: Lower potential for abuse compared to other opioids, but dependence can still occur.
  • Overdose: Can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death, especially when combined with other substances.
  • Withdrawal: Can experience withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly after prolonged use.
  • Seizures: Increased risk of seizures, especially in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy or when combined with certain medications.
• Signs of Abuse: Taking higher doses than prescribed, seeking multiple prescriptions, using it for non-medical purposes, exhibiting mood swings or withdrawal symptoms.

The Importance of Responsible Use & Seeking Help

Opiates and opioids can be valuable tools for pain management when used responsibly and under medical supervision. However, it’s crucial to be aware of their addictive potential and associated risks.

If you or someone you know is struggling with opiate or opioid addiction, seek help immediately. Treatment is available and effective.

Resources:

Government and Non-Profit Organizations

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
  • General Opioid Information
  • Specific Drug Information (e.g., Fentanyl)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
  • Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit
  • Find Treatment (Locator Tool)

Medical & Scientific Journals/Websites:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Search database for research articles and publications related to specific opioids.
• PubMed:
  • A vast database of biomedical literature, allowing access to scientific studies and research papers on various opioids.

Support Organizations:

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA):
  • Meeting finder or resources specifically for individuals struggling with opiate addiction.
• Partnership to End Addiction:
  • Provides educational resources and support for families and individuals affected by addiction.
• Shatterproof:https://www.shatterproof.org/
  • A national non-profit focused on ending the addiction crisis, offering resources and advocacy efforts.