An opiate, aka opiod, is any drug that contains opium or its natural or synthetic derivatives. Some prescription opiates include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, methadone and hydrocodone. Heroin is the most notable illicit opiate, which is a derivative of morphine.
Opiates primary health benefit is they are a powerful analgesic, so this class of drugs is often prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. However, opiate addiction is a potential consequence. So, usage beyond the need for this health benefit can cause an overwhelming physical craving.
The primary opiate side effect that can lead to overuse and addiction is euphoria because they bind to the same site as endorphins, causing the release of dopamine neurotransmitter. And because heroin rapidly penetrates your brain, it causes the greatest opiate ‘rush’ of euphoria.
Some other drug side effect symptoms you may experience when you initially start or take a large dose of opiate are:
- flushing
- dry eyes
- dizziness
- headache
- dry mouth
- sleepiness
- myoclonus
- vasodilation
- constipation
- hypothermia
- hypoventilation
- urinary retention
- orthostatic hypotension
- bradycardia, tachycardia
- miosis ~ pupil constriction
- confusion, hallucinations, delirium
A few of these symptoms occur because opiates cause a histamine release. And several of these symptoms will probably subside as your body builds a tolerance to the drug.
Opiates can also cause an allergic reaction, indicative by symptoms of itching, hives, swelling, dizziness, rash and breathing difficulty. And an overdose can result in unconsciousness, a coma or cardiac arrest.
Because opiates often causes a physical addiction over time, detox should be slow in an effort to reduce intensity of withdraw symptoms. A sudden stop or dramatic reduction will likely cause opiate withdrawal symptoms, which are liken to the flu.
Withdrawal symptoms frequently experienced during an opiate detox period may involve:
- fatigue
- nausea
- tremors
- myalgia
- diarrhea
- insomnia
- arthralgia
- depression
- runny nose
- goose bumps
- upset stomach
- abdominal pain
- muscle cramps
- excessive sweating
- agitation, anxiety, irritability
Generally, opiate withdrawal symptoms start within a day or two of your last usage.
Some drug treatment programs are using a quick detox method, for which you are under anesthesia and a large dose of opiate blocking drugs is injected. Potential, yet unproven, benefits are a sped up return to normal and opiate withdrawal symptom reduction.
Detoxing from opiates may not be a pleasant withdrawal, but just do it for the health of it.