eli5: How does overdosing on stuff like pain killers work?

Question

I saw another post on here and it explained like heroin or fent overdoes but what is the difference between that and stuff like painkillers? Does it work differently or are they all the same (ODS)?

(IDK whether to tag biology or chem)

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

You’re asking about a class of drugs called opiates. They essentially differ in route of administration and potency. If too much is used, it shuts down the respiratory center in your brain that keeps you breathing 24×7. You suffocate.