What are some different types of opiates?

Common prescription opiates include codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, fentanyl and morphine, states WebMD. The vast majority of the drugs come in the form of a prescription painkiller, for use by patients who may not respond well to other pain medications.

One of the weakest forms of prescription opiates, codeine typically combines with acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat mild to moderate pain, explains Recovery.org. Hydrocodone - known by its brand name, Vicodin - is the most-widely prescribed painkiller, and doctors often use it to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Methadone, fentanyl and morphine are the strongest prescription opiates, commonly used for post-surgical discomfort and severe chronic pain.