Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others with the first opioid medication being morphine that was created in 1803. Many different opioids have come onto the market since then. Although most of these forms can be taken without assistance, but some injectable forms have to be given by a healthcare provider.

There are immediate-release products that start to work quickly after taking them and extended-release products that release the drugs over longer periods. The former is used to treat acute and chronic pain whereas extended-release opioids are typically only used to treat chronic pain when immediate-release opioids are no longer enough.

Opioids can be made from the poppy plant — for example, morphine— or synthesized in a laboratory — for example, fentanyl. The brain cells, after opioid medications travelling through the blood and attaching to opioid receptors in the cells- release signals that muffle your perception of pain and boost your feelings of pleasure. Opioid medications when used as directed by your healthcare provider safely help control acute pain, such as pain you experience after surgery. There are risks though when the medications aren’t used correctly. Higher doses can slow your breathing and heart rate, which can lead to death. Lower your risk of dangerous side effects by following your doctor's instructions carefully and taking your medication exactly as prescribed.

Commonly Used Opioid Medications in New York City:

Codeine sulphate- It in only available as a generic drug and isn’t commonly used for pain, it’s typically used for mild to moderate acute pain when used.

Fentanyl- You can get generic fentanyl in oral lozenges, extended-release transdermal patches (used for chronic pain in people who need round-the-clock treatment), and an injectable solution that’s only given by a healthcare provider. Brand-name fentanyl products include Fentora (a buccal tablet), Actiq (an oral lozenge), Lazanda (a nasal spray), etc.

Hydrocodone bitartrate- The brand-name products Hydrocodone bitartrate, as a single ingredient- is available in includes Zohydro ER (an extended-release oral capsule), Hysingla ER (an extended-release oral tablet) and Vantrela ER (an extended-release oral tablet). It’s not commonly used, but when used it’s used for chronic pain in people who need round-the-clock treatment.

Hydromorphone- Not only generic hydromorphone comes in an oral solution, oral tablet, extended-release oral tablet, and rectal suppository, but also is available in an injectable solution given by a healthcare provider.

Methadone hydrochloride- It is available as a generic drug and is used for chronic pain in individuals who require round-the-clock treatment.

Morphine sulphate- It is available in an extended-release oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet, extended-release oral tablet, rectal suppository, and solution for injection. The extended-release products are used for chronic pain in people who need round-the-clock treatment whereas the immediate-release products are used for acute and chronic pain.

The other commonly used medications include Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Tapentadol and Tramadol.

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