An opiate is a drug 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 or narcotics) 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.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics |
| Last Revised | February 3, 2010 |
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