A minor constituent of
opium,
thebaine is chemically similar to both
morphine and
codeine, but produces stimulatory rather than depressant effects. Thebaine is not used therapeutically, but is converted into a variety of compounds including
codeine,
hydrocodone,
oxycodone,
oxymorphone[?],
nalbuphine[?],
naloxone,
naltrexone[?], and
buprenorphine[?]. It is controlled in Schedule II of the
Controlled Substances Act as well as under international law.