Opioids

Fatal overdose may occur when opiates are combined with other depressants such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, gabapentinoids, thienodiazepines, alcohol or other GABAergic substances.

It is strongly discouraged to combine these substances, particularly in common to heavy doses.

Common substances that affect the u-opioid receptor: morphine, codeine, diacetylmorphine (Heroin), naloxone (Narcan), methadone, tramadol.

Poppy pod scored to release opium latex

Dried pods for preparation of tea or solvent extraction of alkaloids

Opioids are a class of psychoactive substances that resemble morphine or other opiates in their pharmacological effects. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors, which are found in the central and peripheral nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The receptors in these organ systems mediate both the beneficial effects and the side effects of opioids.

Although the term opiate is often used as a synonym for opioid, the term opiate is limited to drugs derived from the natural alkaloids found in the resin of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). While opioid is a more general term for substances that act primarily on opioid receptors, including natural occurring alkaloids, synthetic substances and opioid peptides.

Opioid dependence can develop with ongoing administration, leading to a withdrawal syndrome with abrupt discontinuation. Opioids are not only well known for their addictive properties, but also for their ability to produce a feeling of euphoria, motivating some to use opioids recreationally.

Contents

Chemistry

Opioids are based upon morphine and opium-like structures. They work via their similar chemical structures to the endogenous opioids in the body. Morphine derived opioids, known as morphinans, contain a benzene ring attached to two partially unsaturated cyclohexane rings (phenanthrene) and a 4th nitrogenous ring attached to the core at carbons 9 and 13. There are several classes of opioids which differ greatly in structure from each other. For example, fentanyl and its analogues are structurally unique from morphinans and tramadol derivatives.

Pharmacology

Metabolic pathway of codeine and morphine courtesy of Pharmgkb.org

Opioids are known to mimic endogenous endorphins. Endorphins are responsible for analgesia (reducing pain), causing sleepiness, and feelings of pleasure. They can be released in response to pain, strenuous exercise, orgasm, or excitement. This mimicking of natural endorphins results in the drug's euphoric, analgesic (pain relief) and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.

Receptor types

Opioids act on the three main classes of opioid receptor in the nervous system, μ, κ, δ (mu, kappa, and delta). Each opioid is measured by its agonistic or antagonistic effects towards the receptors, with the responses to the different receptor sub-types (e.g., μ1 and μ2) providing even more effects. Opioid receptors are found mainly within the brain, but also within the spinal cord and digestive tract.

Delta (δ)

The delta receptor is responsible for the analgesia, antidepressant and convulsant effects as well as physical dependence.

Kappa (κ)

The kappa receptor is responsible for the analgesia, anticonvulsant, dissociative and deliriant effects as well as dysphoria, neuroprotection and sedation.

Mu (μ)

The mu receptor is responsible for analgesia, physical dependence, respiratory depression, euphoria, and possible vasodilation.

Nociceptin

The nociceptin receptor is responsible for anxiety, depression, appetite and development of tolerance to μ agonists.

Zeta (ζ)

The zeta opioid receptor, also known as opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) is responsible for tissue growth, neural development, and is further implicated in the development in some cancers. The endogenous ligand for OGFr is met-enkephalin, which is also a powerful endogenous delta opioid receptor agonist.

Subjective effects

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), a literature which relies on collected anecdotal reports and the personal experiences of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be taken with a healthy amount of skepticism. It is worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a consistent or reliable manner, although higher doses (common+) are more likely to induce the full spectrum of reported effects. Likewise, adverse effects become much more likely with higher doses and may include serious injury or death.

Physical effects

• • Sedation
  • Respiratory depression - At low to moderate doses, this effect results in the sensation that the breath is slowed down mildly to moderately, but does not cause noticeable impairment. At high doses and overdoses, opioid-induced respiratory depression can result in a shortness of breath, abnormal breathing patterns, semi-consciousness, or unconsciousness. Severe overdoses can result in a coma or death without immediate medical attention.
  • Pain relief
  • Itchiness
  • Constipation
  • Cough suppression
  • Decreased libido
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Pupil constriction
  • Orgasm suppression

Cognitive effects

• • Euphoria - This can be described as a powerful and overwhelming feeling of emotional bliss, contentment, and happiness.
  • Motivation enhancement - Some opioids (such as kratom) are more stimulating than others and seem to enhance motivation.
  • Anxiety suppression
  • Compulsive redosing
  • Dream potentiation
  • Increased music appreciation

Visual effects

• Suppressions

  • Double vision - At high doses, opioids can cause the eyes un-focus and re-focus uncontrollably. This creates a blurred effect and double vision that is present no matter where one focuses their eyes.

  Hallucinatory states

  • Internal hallucinations - One may experience feelings of hypnagogia during a state of "nodding" which is often accompanied by vivid dream-like visions.

Chemical classes

Naturally occuring

• • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Kratom

Semi-synthetic

• • Diacetylmorphine (Heroin)
  • Ethylmorphine
  • Dihydrocodeine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Desomorphine
  • Buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone)
  • Naloxone (Narcan) - This is a powerful antagonist which precipitates instant withdrawal and is used to recover from overdose.

Synthetic

• • Acetylfentanyl
  • Dextropropoxyphene
  • Fentanyl
  • Sufentanil
  • Methadone
  • Tapentadol
  • Tramadol
  • Tianeptine
  • Pethidine (Meperidine)
  • O-Desmethyltramadol
  • U-47700

Toxicity and harm potential

This toxicity and harm potential section is a stub. As such, it may contain incomplete or even dangerously wrong information. You can help by expanding or correcting it. We also recommend that you conduct independent research and use harm reduction practices when using this substance.

The short-term non-chronic use of opioids is not associated with any physical or neurological toxicity.

Long term effects

The long-term use of opioids causes hormonal imbalance in both men and women. In men, this opioid-induced androgen deficiency results in abnormally low levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone.

This negative change in endocrine function in males can lead to: reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, reduced facial and body hair, decreased muscle mass, and weight gain.

Another often observed long-term effect is hyperalgesia, an increase in the pain sensitivity of the person. This is specially seen in chronic pain patients on high dose opioid regimes. There is some evidence that NMDA antagonists like ketamine and opoids that are also weak NMDA antagonist such as methadone, levorphanol and tramadol may help delay the onset of hyperalgesia or even revert it. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21412369</ref>

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this class of substances.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Due to the highly euphoric nature of these substances, the recreational use and abuse of opioids has an extremely high rate of addiction and dependence. This is combined with a tolerance which builds up quickly, necessitates that the user take increasingly high dosages in order to get the same effects.

The risk of fatal opioid overdoses rise sharply after a period of cessation and relapse, largely because of reduced tolerance. To account for this lack of tolerance, it is safer to only dose a fraction of one's usual dosage if relapsing. It has also been found that the environment one is in can play a role in opioid tolerance. In one scientific study, rats with the same history of heroin administration were significantly more likely to die after receiving their dose in an environment not associated with the drug in contrast to a familiar environment.

Dangerous interactions

Although many psychoactive substances are reasonably safe to use on their own, they can quickly become dangerous or even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below includes some known dangerous combinations (although it cannot be guaranteed to include all of them). Independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo) should always be conducted to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some interactions listed have been sourced from TripSit.

• Alcohol - Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. Place affected patients in the recovery position to prevent vomit aspiration from excess. Memory blackouts are likely
• Amphetamines - Stimulants increase respiration rate which allows for a higher dose of opiates than would otherwise be used. If the stimulant wears off first then the opiate may overcome the user and cause respiratory arrest.
• Benzodiazepines - Central nervous system and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically present. The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position blackouts/memory loss likely.
• Cocaine - Stimulants increase respiration rate, which allows for a higher dose of opiates than would otherwise be used. If the stimulant wears off first then the opiate may overcome the patient and cause respiratory arrest.
• DXM - Generally considered to be toxic. CNS depression, difficulty breathing, heart issues, and liver toxicity have been observed. Additionally if one takes DXM, their tolerance of opiates goes down slightly, thus causing additional synergistic effects.
• GHB/GBL - The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position
• Ketamine - Both substances bring a risk of vomiting and unconsciousness. If the user falls unconscious while under the influence there is a severe risk of vomit aspiration if they are not placed in the recovery position.
• MAOIs - Coadministration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) with certain opioids has been associated with rare reports of severe adverse reactions. There appear to be two types of interaction, an excitatory and a depressive one. Symptoms of the excitatory reaction may include agitation, headache, diaphoresis, hyperpyrexia, flushing, shivering, myoclonus, rigidity, tremor, diarrhea, hypertension, tachycardia, seizures, and coma. Death has occurred in some cases.
• MXE - MXE can potentiate the effects of opioids but also increases the risk of respiratory depression and organ toxicity.
• Nitrous - Both substances potentiate the ataxia and sedation caused by the other and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position. Memory blackouts are common.
• PCP - PCP may reduce opioid tolerance, increasing the risk of overdose.
• Tramadol - Increased risk of seizures. Tramadol itself is known to induce seizures and it may have additive effects on seizure threshold with other opioids. Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically present
• Grapefruit - While grapefruit is not psychoactive, it may affect the metabolism of certain opioids. Tramadol, oxycodone, and fentanyl are all primarily metabolized by the enzyme CYP3A4, which is potently inhibited by grapefruit juice. This may cause the drug to take longer to clear from the body. it may increase toxicity with repeated doses. Methadone may also be affected. Codeine and hydrocodone are metabolized by CYP2D6. People who are on medicines that inhibit CYP2D6, or that lack the enzyme due to a genetic mutation will not respond to codeine as it can not be metabolized into its active product: morphine.

See also

• Responsible use
• Depressant
• Kratom
• Codeine
• Oxycodone

External links

• Opioid (Wikipedia)
• Opiates (Erowid Vault)