An opiate is a drug (narcotic) that can suppress the perception of pain and calm a person's emotional response to pain by reducing the effect of pain signals sent by the nervous system. Opiates (also called opioids) produce a feeling of well-being (euphoria) and cause mood changes, cloudy thinking, and deep sleep.
Side effects of opiates may include constipation and nausea. Frequent use of opiates may make a person dependent on them.
Commonly prescribed legal opiates include codeine and morphine. Opium is an example of an illegal opiate.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated: May 25, 2007 | |
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