Which drug is mentioned as a synthetic opioid similar to morphine?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is designed to mimic the effects of morphine, but it is significantly more potent. As a synthetic form, it is created in a lab and has specific chemical properties that differentiate it from naturally occurring opiates like morphine and heroin.

Fentanyl acts on the same opioid receptors in the brain as morphine, leading to pain relief and feelings of euphoria. However, due to its higher potency, even a small dose of fentanyl can produce stronger effects than larger amounts of morphine, which contributes to its increased risk of overdose.

Oxycodone, while an opioid as well, is derived from thebaine, a natural compound, and does not have the same level of synthetic production as fentanyl. Morphine itself is a naturally occurring opiate, and heroin is an illicit substance derived from morphine, which has different properties and risks associated with its use.