Why do opiates make people nod off/space out?

[corxanax]

I literally just nodded off about a minute ago and it left me wondering, why do opiates cause this to happen? It's so odd because while your doing it you don't notice it and its hard to stop, kinda funny.. kinda not so funny if your out to dinner with your family and someone just said the punchline to their joke only to see you with your eyes shut, mouth open, and your nose an inch away from your salad!

Anyway, why do opiates do this? And do some do it more than others?

 

[shady4091]

I'm not really sure scientifically or chemically speaking why they actually make you nod but it has to do with a combination of the sedative and euphoric properties. You need both of those properties to get a good "nod" on.

Some are more "noddy" than others. I've found Oxycodone to be the least noddy (unless a bit of weed is added) and Morphine or Poppy Seed/Pod Tea to be one of the most nod inducing of the opiates. I've never done Heroin though...