Synthetic opiates are manufactured for a number of reasons. Primarily, these drugs are made to offset some of the negative effects associated with natural opiates. Even then, there are many risks associated with synthetic opiates, especially in the event that a person abuses one or more of these drugs.
There are times when medical patients use synthetic opiates, most commonly to treat pain, coughing, diarrhea, and even opiate withdrawal.
Are these Dangerous?
It is easy to believe that synthetic opiates are not dangerous, being that they are prescribed by medical professionals. However, there are times when these bring a variety of side effects to life.
Since every medication is meant to do something different, there are many side effects associated with each one. Some of those that span a variety of synthetic opiates include the following:
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Itching
If taken as prescribed by a doctor, synthetic opiates can be quite useful. At the same time, it is important to realize that there are risks associated with the use of these drugs.
Overuse can lead to the following concerns:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Respiratory depression
- Irregular heartbeat
Furthermore, the use of synthetic opiates can cause addiction and dependence. If this happens, the person may have a difficult time putting their drug use in the past.
Synthetic Opiate Addiction
Some people become addicted to synthetic opiates easier than others. In fact, there are people who take these drugs for the right reasons, just to find that they are addicted and faced with withdrawal symptoms when the time comes to quit.
It is easier to become addicted to more powerful opiates, such as methadone and fentanyl, as these have the same effect on the body as drugs such as heroin and morphine.
Just because a drug is manmade as opposed to natural does not mean they are safe to abuse. Synthetic opiates can be just as dangerous, especially in the event that a person becomes addicted and dependent on the drug.
Note: If your doctor prescribes a synthetic opiate, be sure to follow his or her instructions down to every last detail. You should never take one of these drugs unless you are under medical supervision.
It is not dangerous to take synthetic opiates when you do so under the watchful eye of a medical professional. It can be dangerous to do so if you are abusing the drug on your own, taking more than you should to achieve a desired result. An addiction to a synthetic opiate can be just as dangerous as an addiction to a natural drug.