Opioids and the Future of Pain Management
Opioids and the Future of Pain Management The U.S. FDA has approved Suzetrigine , a groundbreaking non-opioid treatment for moderate-to-severe acute pain. This marks a significant shift in pain management, reducing reliance on opioids, which are known for their high addiction potential . What are Opioids? Opioids are a class of drugs that originate from or mimic compounds found in the opium poppy plant . They act on the nervous system’s opioid receptors to produce pain relief and feelings of euphoria. Types of Opioids Opioids can be classified into three main categories: Natural Opioids (Opiates) Derived directly from the opium poppy plant . Examples: Morphine, Codeine . Semi-Synthetic Opioids Chemically modified versions of natural opioids. Examples: Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Heroin . Synthetic Opioids Fully lab-made but function similarly to natural opioids. Examples: Fentanyl, Tramadol, Methadone . Medical Uses of Opioids Pain Relief : Used for acute pain (post-surgery, injuries...