Benzomorphan

Benzomorphan is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of opioid drugs. It is a synthetic compound that was developed in the mid-20th century as a potential alternative to natural opium-derived drugs such as morphine and codeine.

History

Benzomorphan was first synthesized in the 1940s by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company. The goal was to create a synthetic opioid that would have the same pain-relieving properties as morphine but without the addictive potential. However, like many other synthetic opioids, benzomorphan was found to have a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Pharmacology

Benzomorphan is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates the mu-opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are involved in pain perception, and their activation by benzomorphan results in analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. However, activation of these receptors can also lead to euphoria and physical dependence, which contributes to the drug's potential for abuse and addiction.

Medical Use

Benzomorphan is not currently approved for medical use in most countries due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. However, it has been used in research settings to study the effects of opioids on the brain and to develop new treatments for opioid addiction.

Side Effects

Like other opioids, benzomorphan can cause a range of side effects, including drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression. Long-term use can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Legal Status

In the United States, benzomorphan is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and addiction but may have some medical use under strict regulation.

See Also

• Opioid
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Mu-opioid receptor
• Eli Lilly and Company

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