Submitted by Crystal Marcum Opioids are powerful prescription painkillers. Most influence areas of the brain that also regulate breathing. Opioids taken at high doses can cause respiratory depression, coma and death. When combined with alcohol or other sedatives, the overdose risk increases. Common opioids are hydrocodone (such as Vicodin, Lortab and Norco), oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin, Read More »