
Opioids (Narcotics): What They Are, Types & Side Effects
What Are Opioids? Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are a class of drugs that may reduce moderate to severe pain. Some opioids are naturally produced, while others are human-made.
Opioid - Wikipedia
Opioids are a class of drugs that derive from, or mimic, natural substances found in the opium poppy plant. Opioids work on opioid receptors in the brain and other organs to produce a variety of …
Opioids - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Jun 17, 2025 · Opioids are a class of natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic drugs. These include both prescription medications used to treat pain and illegal drugs like heroin.
What are opioids and why are they dangerous? - Mayo Clinic
Aug 26, 2023 · Opioids are a broad group of medicines used to relieve pain. Although these medicines are effective, they can lead to addiction. Take them only as directed.
Opioids - Johns Hopkins Medicine
Opioids are a class of drugs that derive from, or mimic, natural substances found in the opium poppy plant. Opioids work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including pain relief.
Opioids (narcotic analgesics) - Drugs.com
Apr 17, 2023 · Opioids (narcotic analgesics) are a class of medicines that are used to provide relief from moderate-to-severe acute or chronic pain. They may also be called opiates, opioid analgesics, or …
About Prescription Opioids | Overdose Prevention | CDC
Jun 10, 2025 · Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that bind to receptors in your brain or body to reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain. Doctors sometimes prescribe opioid …
Opioid | Description, Examples, Classification, History, & Effects ...
Nov 20, 2025 · Opioids are a class of drugs derived from substances that occur naturally in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and that are widely used for pain relief and sedation.
Opioid overdose - World Health Organization (WHO)
Aug 29, 2025 · Opioids include heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol, and other similar substances. Due to their pharmacological effects, they can cause difficulties with breathing, …
Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) - MedlinePlus
Mar 27, 2024 · Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are a type of drug. They include strong prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol. The illegal drug heroin is …