What is the difference between an opioid medication and a narcotic medication (see desc)?

Question

I was am getting ready to start Topamax for the less severe pain, but I have percocet for moderate to severe pain (I have a lot of spinal damage and other issues that cause me chronic pain, some days I am in such pain that I can't walk). Anyway, the neurologist's nurse said, if my pain gets too bad and I am having a severe day to go to the ER or call my family doctor and have them prescribe me an opioid medication. I am like, I am already taking percocet 5mg. She is like you may need something stronger, if you can't go to the ER, etc... So what is the difference? Do doctors even prescribe opioids? I thought they were only given while you were in the ER. I can't take being on medication much longer...I can't stand it. They just keep adding and adding. I mean, I wish there was just one pill I could take, instead of all the ones they are adding.

Serious Answers Only Please.

Answer 1

An opiod (or opiate) is a narcotic medication. They are the same thing.  

Answer 2

Percocet IS an opioid AND a narcotic.  A narcotic is a controlled substance.  An opioid is derived from opium.  

Opioids are prescribed commonly for severe pain.  They range from meds like vicodin, codeine, darvocet, and percocet to much stronger meds like MS contin, oxycontin, morphine and methadone.  

They are tightly controlled meds and they are generally limited in how much you can get at one time.  This is because they are highly addictive and can be dangerous if abused.  But they are EXCELLENT pain medications