Synthetic opiate-based painkillers

Opiate-based painkillers differ from opiates such as heroin and morphine as they are synthesised (man-made) from an opiate, and thus differ chemically from naturally occurring opiates. As well as removing pain, they can induce a sense of wellbeing or euphoria, acting on the central nervous system. They may have a relaxing effect or cause a feeling of mental disconnection and in larger doses may act as sedative.

The main risk associated with synthesised opiate-based painkillers is the development of tolerance, which could then lead to dependence. Continuous use can lead to a user feeling the need to take the drugs in order to feel 'normal'; with some finding they need to take higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Pain management is one of the most common medicinal motivations for drug use, in particular opiate based drugs. According to the World Health Organization, increasing medical use of opioids is one indication that progress is being made to improve pain management. These painkillers may come in the form of tablets, syrup, skin patches and sometimes injections. Due to the euphoric effects that some pain killers provide, they also appeal to the illicit user.

Due to their medical use opiate-based painkillers are frequently found around homes in the UK. They are however sometimes diverted to the illicit market, which can fuel those who develop dependence who are in need of ‘topping up’ their dose. Painkiller dependence affects an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.

Strong pain killers should only be used if and when prescribed by a GP. Some drugs can react badly with other medication, such as MAOI antidepressant drugs, which if taken together can affect blood pressure and the heart.

Concateno offer a test for selected antidepressants in oral fluid, hair and urine

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