Opioid vs Opiate - What's the difference between them?
The difference between opioid and opiate is that opioid is a broad term used to describe any type of substance, either natural or man-made (synthetic) that binds to opioid receptors in the brain (these control pain, pleasurable, and addictive behaviors). Opioids include natural substances, such as codeine, morphine, and heroin; synthetic substances such as fentanyl and methadone; and semi-synthetic substances such as hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone (Oxycontin).
The word opiate refers to natural substances that can be extracted from the flowering opium poppy plant, such as heroin, morphine, and codeine. All opiates are opioids, but not all opioids are opiates. It is also important to note that just because opiates are natural, this does not mean that they are less harmful. Opiates are also highly addictive and are frequently misused.
Read next
Naproxen vs ibuprofen: What's the difference?
Ibuprofen is short acting, while naproxen is long acting and more likely to cause an upset stomach. Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs so they are similar in many ways, but there are important differences. Continue reading
What is low dose naltrexone (LDN)?
Low dose naltrexone means taking a dose of naltrexone that is up to one-tenth, or 10%, of the dose that is usually taken for opioid addiction. A low dose of naltrexone is approximately 4.5mg of naltrexone a day compared with the usual dosage of naltrexone for opioid addiction which is 50mg to 100mg a day. Continue reading
What's the difference between aspirin and ibuprofen?
Even though aspirin and Ibuprofen are both NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and work similarly, there are several differences between the two drugs and they are not considered interchangeable. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Meloxicam vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Aleve vs Ibuprofen: What's the difference?
- Can you take ibuprofen on an empty stomach?
- Does gabapentin help treat nerve pain?
- Can you take expired ibuprofen?
- Can you overdose on ibuprofen?
- Can you take tramadol with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin?
- Can you drink alcohol with ibuprofen?
- How do Celebrex and ibuprofen compare?
- Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen: Which is better?
- Should I take meloxicam at night or in the morning?
- Oxycodone vs Hydrocodone - How do they compare?
- CBD Oil: What are 9 Proven or Possible Health Benefits?
- Which painkiller should you use?
- Tylenol vs Advil: What's the difference?
- What is Metamizole used for?
- How long does Percocet stay in your system?
- What are the rules for controlled substance prescription refills?
- Can you take 800mg ibuprofen with 50mg tramadol?
- Aleve vs Advil: What's the difference?
- Acetaminophen vs paracetamol: What do you need to know?
- Motrin vs Advil: What's the difference?
- How long does oxycodone stay in your system?
- Can ibuprofen cause constipation?
- How long does ibuprofen take to work?
- Norco vs Vicodin - How do they compare?
- All Eyes on Ibuprofen: What are 10 Things You Need to Know?
- Is gabapentin addictive?
- How long does it take for Tylenol to start working?
- How and where is the Toradol injection given?
Related support groups
- Pain (2,237 questions, 11,881 members)
- Opiate Dependence (150 questions, 2,357 members)
- Opiate Dependence - Maintenance (17 questions, 29 members)