A Comprehensive List of Opioid Drugs: From Prescription Relief to Illicit Use

Opioid drugs are effective at managing acute and chronic pain, but their potent nature also carries a high risk of addiction and overdose, necessitating careful management and awareness. To better understand the ins and outs of these pain-relievers, explore this detailed list of opioid drugs, from legally prescribed medications to illicit substances.

Commonly Prescribed Opioids

Most commonly prescribed opioids are used primarily to manage moderate to severe pain. This includes opioids typically used following surgery, injury, or for chronic conditions.

• Morphine: Regarded as one of the most effective opioids for severe pain, morphine is often used in hospital settings, particularly for post-surgical pain and to ease the discomfort of terminal illnesses. It can be administered in various forms, including oral tablets, liquid, and injections.

• Codeine: Generally prescribed for milder forms of pain, codeine is less potent than other opioids. It is often combined with other medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to enhance its pain-relieving effects. Codeine is also used in some cough syrups to reduce coughing.

• Oxycodone: Known for its strong pain-relieving capabilities, oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is available under various brand names, including OxyContin (an extended-release form) and Percocet (a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen). However, oxycodone is also known for its potential for abuse and is often a drug of concern in opioid addiction discussions.

• Hydrocodone: Similar to oxycodone, hydrocodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is often prescribed when over-the-counter pain relievers are not effective. It is commonly known by its brand name combinations, such as Vicodin (hydrocodone with acetaminophen) and Lortab.

• Fentanyl: Significantly more potent than other opioids, fentanyl is typically reserved for severe pain management in patients who are opioid-tolerant, meaning those who have been treated with other opioids and may not find relief with less potent drugs. Due to its potency, it is also used in treating pain in cancer patients. Fentanyl is available in patches, lozenges, and injectable forms.

• Tramadol: Considered by some as a safer alternative to stronger opioids, tramadol is prescribed for moderate pain and has a lower risk of dependence compared to other opioids. However, it can still be addictive, especially with long-term use.

Niche or Specialized Opioid Drugs

Niche or specialty opioids cater to specific medical needs, offering targeted pain relief for unique and often challenging medical conditions. Each of these opioids serves a specific purpose within medical practice, from managing severe pain in controlled environments to providing a pathway out of addiction.

• Buprenorphine: Primarily used in the treatment of opioid addiction, buprenorphine is unique in that it provides pain relief while offering a lower risk of dependency. Buprenorphine is key in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for its efficacy in reducing withdrawal symptoms without producing the high of more potent opioids.

• Methadone: Another cornerstone of opioid addiction treatment, methadone is used both for pain management and as a harm-reduction substance. Its slow onset and long duration of action help prevent the euphoric rush associated with other opioids, making it effective in curbing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in long-term drug rehabilitation efforts.

• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid): Known for its rapid onset of action, hydromorphone is significantly more potent than morphine and is utilized for acute pain management, particularly in settings like postoperative care, where pain control is a priority. Despite its effectiveness, its potency requires careful monitoring to avoid potential abuse and addiction.

• Levorphanol: Levorphanol is similar to morphine but has additional properties that make it effective in treating severe pain, including neuropathic pain. It is also noted for its efficacy in patients who have developed tolerance to other opioids.

• Fentanyl Nasal Spray (Lazanda): Specifically designed for cancer patients experiencing breakthrough pain, this formulation of fentanyl provides rapid pain relief through a nasal spray delivery system. The potency and quick action of fentanyl make it a vital option for pain management in patients who are already opioid-tolerant.

• Oxymorphone: A powerful opioid analgesic, oxymorphone is reserved for managing severe pain where alternative treatments are ineffective. Its use is typically directed towards patients who need a strong, long-lasting opioid for ongoing pain relief.

• Meperidine (Demerol): Once commonly used, meperidine is now less favored due to its side effects and the risk of toxicity, particularly with long-term use. It is occasionally used for very short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain.

Illegal Opioids

Illegal opioids are substances that are often used without medical supervision and are obtained through illicit means. These drugs are highly addictive and pose significant risks of overdose and death.

• Heroin: Derived from morphine, heroin is a well-known illegal opioid that is typically sold as a white or brown powder or as a sticky black substance known as "black tar heroin." Users inject, snort, or smoke heroin to achieve intense euphoria. However, heroin use is associated with high risks of overdose, especially when mixed with other drugs or when the heroin is laced with other potent substances like fentanyl.

• Fentanyl: While pharmaceutical fentanyl is a legally prescribed medication, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is widely used illegally. It is extremely potent, often 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, meaning that fentanyl is dangerous even in small quantities. Illicit fentanyl is commonly added to heroin to increase its potency or disguised as other prescription opioids, which significantly increases the risk of overdose.

• Carfentanil: An analog of fentanyl, carfentanil is one of the most potent opioids known and is used illegally for similar effects as heroin and fentanyl. It is, however, originally intended for sedating large animals such as elephants. Carfentanil is estimated to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, making non-medical use exceptionally dangerous.

Using Opioids Safely

Given the risks associated with opioid use, adhering to safe usage guidelines is crucial. It's important to always follow the prescriptions provided by a healthcare provider and use opioids strictly as directed. Mixing opioids with other substances, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other depressants, can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

Opioids should be stored securely and kept out of reach of others—particularly children and individuals for whom they were not prescribed—to prevent accidental or unauthorized use. Finally, proper disposal of opioids is critical; unused medications should be returned to appropriate drug take-back locations to prevent misuse and ensure they do not pose a hazard to others.

Embrace Drug Safety with Countrywide Testing

Understanding the various types of opioid drugs and their appropriate uses can aid in making informed decisions about pain management and addiction prevention. However, it’s also important to recognize and address potential opioid abuse quickly.

For individuals or organizations looking to manage opioid use safely, Countrywide Testing offers reliable, on-site drug testing kits that can be a valuable tool in addressing substance misuse—including screens for drugs like oxycontin, heroin, or other opioids.

To find out more about how Countrywide Testing can support drug safety, just contact our team today!