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Morphine and heroin also produced higher rates of euphoria and other positive subjective effects when compared to these other opioids. [47] The choice of heroin and morphine over other opioids by former drug addicts may also be because heroin is an ester of morphine and morphine prodrug , essentially meaning they are identical drugs in vivo .
Morphine is the gold standard to which all narcotics are compared. Semi-synthetic derivatives of morphine such as hydromorphone (Dilaudid), oxymorphone (Numorphan, Opana), nicomorphine (Vilan), hydromorphinol and others vary in such ways as duration of action, side effect profile and milligramme potency.
In contrast to natural morphine, the unnatural enantiomer has no affinity or efficacy for the mu opioid receptor and therefore has no analgesic effects. To the contrary, in rats, (+)-morphine acts as an antianalgesic and is approximately 71,000 times more potent as an antianalgesic than (−)-morphine is as an analgesic.
Opioids work on opioid receptors in the brain and other organs to produce a variety of morphine-like effects, including pain relief. [2] [3] The terms 'opioid' and 'opiate' are sometimes used interchangeably, but the term 'opioid' is used to designate all substances, both natural and synthetic, that bind to opioid receptors in the brain. [4]
The main side effects heroin causes on appearance according to New Health Advisor are: Weight loss due to loss of appetite, or because a heroin abuser may not prioritize eating.
Opiate overdose symptoms and signs can be referred to as the "opioid toxidrome triad": decreased level of consciousness, pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression. Other symptoms include seizures and muscle spasms. Sometimes an opiate overdose can lead to such a decreased level of consciousness such that the person will not wake up.
[9] [7] The effects of morphine withdrawal can range from gastrointestinal disturbances to symptoms like tremors (involuntary shaking, most commonly in hands), opioid cravings, anxiety and insomnia. [10] [11] While morphine withdrawal is not fatal, patients in withdrawal may experience anxiousness, fear and become difficult to manage. [12]
The length of time that major symptoms occur also depends on the opioid used. [43] For heroin withdrawal, symptoms are typically greatest at two to four days and can last up to two weeks. [44] [43] Less significant symptoms may remain for an even longer period, in which case the withdrawal is known as post-acute-withdrawal syndrome. [43]