Opiates are the naturally occurring alkaloid chemicals found in the opium poppy plant,Papaver somniferum, including morphine, codeine, and thebaine. More commonly, the term is used to describe pills containing these alkaloids and the many other semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs that are able to produce similar psychoactive effects.
Opiates are essential in the management of pain conditions when over the counter analgesics prove ineffective. They also produce the pleasurable sensations of calming and relaxation in addition to numbing pain. In high enough doses, opiate pills produce euphoria and their abuse and dependency potentials may lead to high rates of addiction and overdose.
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Morphine
According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine, “Excluding distilled spirits, the first addictive ingredient isolated from a natural product was morphine, which was extracted from crude opium by F.W.A. Serturner, a German pharmacist, in 1806.” Morphine is the most abundant alkaloid content of opium that is used to make many precursors for the semi-synthetic opiates including heroin, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone.
Morphine’s structure closely resembles and mimics endogenous morphine, or endorphins, we produce naturally in response to pain, excitement, exercise, orgasms, and other behaviors that bear repeating. It is the standard by which the relative potencies of other opiates are compared and they typically convert back to when being metabolized.
Generic morphine pills include:
- Astramorph
- Avinza
- MSContin
- Oramorph
- Sevredol
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Codeine
While codeine is widely used in many pills and a naturally available source in opium, much of the codeine used in pharmaceuticals comes from the morphine content. With varying degrees of potency, codeine can be found in many combination products with other analgesics such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.
The most common brands of codeine pills include:
- Codeine 15, 30, or 60 mg tablets
- Fioricet
- Fiorinal
- Tylenol with Codeine #3 and #4
Oxycodone and Oxymorphone
Most prescription painkillers are opiates.
Oxycodone is synthesized from the alkaloid chemical, thebaine, and in comparison to morphine, it is 1.5X as potent while oxymorphone is up to 7X as potent. These semi-synthetic opiates are available under numerous brand names and in extended or controlled release versions to provide long-lasting pain relief.
Common oxycodone and oxymorphone pills include:
- Generic oxycodone combinations with aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
- Roxicodone
- Roxicet
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Percodan
- Tylox
- Oxecta
- Opana (oxymorphone)
- Numorphan (oxymorphone)
- Nymorphone (oxymorphone)
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone products are often combined with other analgesics and prior to 2014 many of them were classified as Schedule III medications under the controlled substance schedules of the DEA, easily obtainable after minor surgeries or dental visits. Today, like other opiate pills, they are classified as schedule II substances for their risks of abuse and dependency potentials. The most common hydrocodone pills include:
- Vicodin
- Vicoprofen
- Maxidone
- Norco
- Lorcet
- Lortab
Other Opiate Pills
There are many other opiate pills including wide variations of semi-synthetic and synthetic opiates including:
Opium Withdrawal Symptoms -
Long term use of opium that results in physical dependence will cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not being used. Opium withdrawal symptoms result when a physical tolerance has developed and the body becomes dependent on the drug. Opium withdrawal will have various impacts on the user depending on his or her level of ... 
How is Methadone Addiction Treated? -
Methadone addiction is treated much in the same way as any other narcotic addiction is. However, there may be some specific options you will want to choose for your treatment. If you have been struggling with methadone abuse, call . We can help you find the right rehab center for your recovery. Consider Residential Treatment ... 
How Long Do Opium Withdrawal Symptoms Last? -
The symptoms of opium withdrawal are broken up into three categories: the early, middle, and late stages. During each stage, symptoms will often last for at least a few days and may run over into the next stage depending on the individual’s experience. Early Stage Symptoms The early stage symptoms of opium withdrawal usually last one ... 
Opium Effects -
There are a wide range of effects that opium derivatives can have on the body including physical drug dependence, withdrawal symptoms and health problems. When opium is smoked, the drug causes a short-term high that includes relaxation, pain relief, reduced anxiety and impaired alertness and coordination. These effects usually wear off in about 3-4 hours. Using opium ... 
What is Post Acute Withdrawal? -
Post acute withdrawal (PAW) also know as post acute withdrawal syndrome and protracted withdrawal, is the phase of addiction after acute withdrawal is over. According to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration’s Advisory, PAW occurs after the acute withdrawal phase and can last up to two years after the acute withdrawal phase of recovery. ...