Opioid

An opioid is a substance that binds to opioid receptors, including the body's signaling peptides and drugs that can relieve pain or produce other effects.

Opioid receptor: A cell-surface receptor activated by endogenous opioid peptides and opioid drugs. Opioids produce their effects by binding to these receptors.
Opiate: A naturally occurring alkaloid from the opium poppy, especially morphine or codeine. Opiates are a narrower group within the wider category of opioids.
Opioid analgesic: A drug that activates opioid receptors to reduce pain. Pain relief is a major therapeutic use of opioid drugs.
Opioid dependence: A physiological adaptation in which stopping or reducing opioid exposure can cause withdrawal. The nervous system can adapt to repeated opioid exposure.
Mu-opioid receptor: An opioid receptor subtype involved in analgesia, reward, sedation, and respiratory depression. Many clinically used opioids act primarily through this receptor.
Opium: The dried latex of the opium poppy, containing morphine, codeine, and other alkaloids. It is the plant source of several early opioid drugs.
Anesthesia: A medically controlled state that prevents pain or awareness during procedures. Opioids can contribute to analgesia during anesthesia.
Opioid withdrawal: A cluster of symptoms following reduction or cessation after physiological adaptation to opioids. Withdrawal can follow dependence, though its severity varies.
Endogenous opioid peptide: A peptide made by the body that activates opioid receptors. These natural ligands are the body's own opioids.
Morphine: A naturally occurring opioid alkaloid used as an analgesic. It is a classic example of a drug that activates opioid receptors.

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