What is an Analgesic?
You might sometimes find yourself thinking, “What is an Analgesic?” An analgesic (another word for Painkiller) is used as a term to describe any group of medications that is used to decrease your level of pain. Analgesics are also considered medications that are used to treat pain without losing your level of consciousness. Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous system. Some common analgesics include; acetaminophen (the generic name for the medication tylenol), NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs — such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin — What are NSAIDs?), and opiod drugs such as morphine and opium. Analgesics are the opposite of anesthetics, which work to eliminate sensation.When you are choosing which analgesic to take, you have to take into consideration, which analgesic will be right for you. Some analgesics, like Aspirin for instance, is better at targeting fevers than Naproxen (Advil).
What is an Analgesic? – Examples of Analgesics
Since analgesic is a term used to describe painkillers, there are many types of Analgesics available to you with or without a prescription. Analgesics in which you can get over the counter (a term used to describe medicines not needing a prescription) include; Aspirin, Acetaminophen (Brand name Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Brand names of Advil and Motrin), a COX-2 Inhibitor known as celecoxib, and narcotic drugs including, Morphine, Oxycodone (Brand Name Percocet), and Hydrocodone (also known as Vicodin).
What is an Analgesic? – The Three Types of Analgesics
Another big question after, “What is an Analgesic,” is, “How do Analgesics Work?” To understand how Analgesics work, it is important to know that there are 3 main categories of Analgesics. The first type of analgesic is an opiod analgesic. Opiod analgesics are used to describe medications that are available by prescription only, are extremely potent, and are chemically related to morphine. The second type of analgesics are non-opiod analgesics. Non-opiod analgesics work by affecting the prostaglandin system, which is the system within the body responsible for producing pain. Non-opiod analgesics are NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen. The last type of analgesics are adjuvant analgesics. Adjuvant Analgesics are described as analgesics which are used to treat illnesses other than pain. This would include some anti-depressents that may also help to relieve pain in special circumstances.
What is an Analgesic? — How do Analgesics Work?
Non-opiod analgesics work by targeting the chemicals released by the brain that are sent to the site of an injury. The most prevalent of these chemical mediators in pain is prostaglandin. Non-opioid NSAIDs are effective because their main purpose is to block the release of prostaglandin at the peripheral nerve sites.Opiod analgesics work against the central nervous system. Opiod analgesics, such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Codeine, and morphine work to inhibit pain signals, so that less pain is felt.Now that you know, “What is an Analgesic,” it is important to speak with your doctor to figure out which Analgesic is right for you. The best thing you could ask your doctor is, “What is an Analgesic, and how can they help me?”
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