We all in our daily lives suffer from some kind of physical pain. To get rid of that pain we take painkillers which are actually analgesics. Analgesics basically reduce or remove pain without leading to impairment of consciousness.
Analgesics work on our system without causing any mental confusion, paralysis or any other disturbances in the nervous system. This helps us to actually get rid of the pain without any imbalance in the nervous system. These drugs can act in many ways on the peripheral or central nervous system, but they do not eliminate the sensation of pain as in the case of anaesthetics.
Types of Analgesics
Analgesics can be broadly classified into two categories:
Non-narcotic (non-addictive) analgesics
It is mainly used for relieving the skeleton pain which can happen due to arthritis. Paracetamol and aspirin are the most common drugs in this case. When you take aspirin, it acts by inhibiting the synthesis of the chemical known as prostaglandins by chemical reactions which causes inflammation in the tissues and as a result the sensation of pain is felt.
In addition to this these drugs also help in reducing fever and helps in preventing platelet coagulation. The anti-blood clotting action is the reason why aspirin is used for the prevention of heart attacks.
Narcotic analgesics
These types of analgesic drugs are taken in prescribed doses for medical use. They relieve the pain and helps in producing sleep. The dosage here becomes very important as an increase the dose of this analgesic drug can lead to coma, convulsion and finally result in death.
Most common type of narcotic analgesic used nowadays is Morphine. They are also referred to as opiates as they are obtained from opium poppy. These types of analgesics or painkillers are mostly used for relieving postoperative pain, cardiac pain and the pain of terminal cancer.
Classification of Analgesics
Analgesics are further classified depending on their mechanism of action. They are:
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
- NSAIDs
- COX-2 inhibitors
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Medical cannabis
- Combinations
- Alternative medicine
- Psychotropic agents
Analgesic Side Effects
We should always be careful in regard to which type of analgesics we are taking and the doses that are prescribed for it as we use them almost every day.
Consultation of a doctor before taking these drugs is very important. One should not become addicted to them as this addiction can be harmful.
People take sleeping pills when they are suffering from insomnia. If drug is taken according to the doses, it will be helpful. Extra doses may lead to death.