Narcotic Analgesics
(OxyContin, Vicodin, Darvon, Percodan, Dilaudid, et. al.)
What is it?
Narcotic agents are potent analgesics which are effective for the relief of severe pain.The term analgesic means “without pain”. Even in therapeutic doses, narcotic analgesics can cause respiratory depression, nausea, and drowsiness. Long term administration produces tolerance, psychic, and physical dependence called addiction. These drugs are commonly prescribed to manage pain, but can also be prescribed to treat diarrhea (Lomotil) or severe cough (codeine).
Narcotic agents may be classified into four categories:
1) Morphine and codeine – natural alkaloids of opium.
2) Synthetic derivatives of morphine such as heroin.
3) Synthetic agents which resemble the morphine structure.
4) Narcotic antagonists which are used as antidotes for overdoses of narcotic analgesics.
What is the High Like?
In addition to blocking our perception of pain, these drugs also bring on feelings of euphoria.
These medications are among the most commonly abused prescription drugs and are on the rise of abuse with adolescents.
- Short-term medical use of these drugs is relatively safe; common side-effects include drowsiness and constipation.
- Larger (toxic) amounts of these narcotics can result in respiratory collapse and death.
- Long-term effects of narcotic analgesics include tolerance to the pleasurable effects of the drug, psychological dependence and addiction.
Where can I get more information?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse:http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDAHome.html