Synthetic opioids and withdrawal?

[Boxer]

Do synthetic opiods have a worse withdrawal than nonsynthetics? Say longer or stronger?

 

[sekio]

Not neccesarily. In certain cases yes, but that's because some synthetic opioids are e.g. longer lasting, have multiple modes of action, or are faster-acting than poppy alkaloids.

All that matters for mu-agonist withdrawal ("classic" opiate withdrawal) is frequency of use and strength of agonism (codeine every few days vs shooting H every 4 hours).

 

[Cane2theLeft]

Short answer: not necessarily. There is nothing inherent in the synthesis of mu agonists that ensure a more severe withdrawal. As sekio stated, it has to do with how strong of an agonist it is and other factors. Typically, shorter acting agents such as fentanyl used more frequently will produce more intense but shorter withdrawals and longer acting ones such as methadone or buprenorphine will produce less-intense but more drawn out withdrawals.

Since I believe your main question was answered, I'll close this. If you have more questions and/or other reason to reopen this, feel free to PM me