Opiate Agonist and Antagonist Drugs

Methadone is the most widely known opiate agonist used to treat opioid dependence. It can help patients ween off opiates of abuse because it decreases drug cravings. Patients must go to licensed methadone clinics to receive their doses. Because it is a narcotic, methadone has the potential to cause dependence.

Methadone is a synthetic opiate drug and pain reliever. Additionally, it acts on the same receptors as heroin, morphine, and other opiates. While the drug does not produce the same high heroin, it is also highly addictive and has an increased risk of overdose. German scientists first developed it in 1937 by searching for a surgical painkiller named “Dolophine.” Later, exported to the U.S. and renamed methadone, the drug became the treatment for heroin addiction. Unfortunately, it proved to be even more addictive than heroin.

Heroin was first manufactured in 1898 by Bayer Pharmaceuticals in Germany to treat tuberculosis and as a remedy for morphine addiction. Its appearance can be powdery white, rose gray, brown, or black. The different colors come from additives, including sugar, caffeine, or sometimes lethal substances. Besides, people can cut heroin with strychnine or other harmful substances. Various additives can lead to the infection or destruction of vital organs. The buyer never knows the strength or the additives to the heroin. Therefore, there is a constant and high risk of overdose with every use. It can be injected, smoked, or sniffed. Heroin is a highly addictive drug, and the withdrawal can be excruciating.

Oxycodone is a schedule II medication (a category of drugs that have a high potential for addiction but has a legitimate medical use) often used to treat moderate to severe pain. As helpful as it is to control pain, it carries a significant risk of addiction and dependence. Oxycodone in high doses, or when combined with other drugs or alcohol, can cause respiratory distress and even death. It is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from thebaine, an alkaloid found in the Persian poppy.

Oxycodone brand names are OxyContin, Roxicodone, Xtampza ER, and OxyIR. It is marketed either alone or with nonnarcotic analgesics such as aspirin (Percodan®) or acetaminophen (Percocet®).