Why do natural opiates cause euphoria while synthetic opioids generally don't?

[suddledonuts]

I don't quit understand chemically, the difference between natural opiates and synthetic opioids that would cause one to cause significant euphoria while the latter causes little if any.

They both bind to μ, which if I'm not mistaken causes the pleasurable side effect of ingesting opioids, why wouldn't they both cause equal euphoria based only on the amount the receptor is activated?

Does it have to do with endorphins/endomorphin, dopamine? I'm quit confused and any explanation would be appreciated for educational purposes.

Thanks for your time to those who reply...

:3

 

[f33lg00d]

Being natural or synthetic makes no difference, it's just the differences in the molecules that cause them to act diverently; they all bind to the mu-opioid receptor but to different degrees and in different manners Most people consider semi-synthetic heroin the most euphoric.

Edit: Scroll down to pharmacology for some interesting info
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid
This ones explains some to:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Receptor_antagonist

 

[Addyman]

You have no idea what you are talking about

Synthetic doesn't make a difference

Try Oxymorphone

 

[sekio]

There are more opioid receptors than just mu subtype 2.
Some opioids are also serotonin, norepinephrine, or even dopamine reuptake inhibitors.

 

[suddledonuts]

Being natural or synthetic makes no difference, it's just the differences in the molecules that cause them to act diverently; they all bind to the mu-opioid receptor but to different degrees and in different manners Most people consider semi-synthetic heroin the most euphoric.

Edit: Scroll down to pharmacology for some interesting info
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid
This ones explains some to:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Receptor_antagonist

Thank you very much for the information, interesting information -- will prove useful for my pharmacokinetics class.

Your answer and explanation is much appreciated.

 

[suddledonuts]

You have no idea what you are talking about

Synthetic doesn't make a difference

Try Oxymorphone

By synthetic I was referring to fully synthetic opioids, and from personal experience I've found no euphoria in methadone, fentanyl, Demerol, etc. The only one I've found very minor euphoria is Tramadol but that's probably due to it's unique make-up.

Also, I personally find oxymorphone to be less euphoric than heroin, or even morphine for that matter.

 

[Violenza666]

You have no idea what you are talking about

Synthetic doesn't make a difference

Try Oxymorphone

Technically Oxymorphone is semi-synthetic....

I see the point the OP is making but I think he is wording it wrong... Fentanyl is fully synthetic... but I don't find it euphoric at all.

 

[hydroazuanacaine]

suddledonuts, glad f33lg00d got you pointed in the right direction. but this thread going to turn into people just giving their opinions on different opiates. gonna close it. PM me if you have any questions.