Narcotic is a term referring to a class of drugs that’s used in a couple of different ways. For instance, usage may be based on its composition, action, effects or legality. So a list of narcotics can vary depending on the basis of classification. The purpose of this health blurb is to help you sort out its list of variables.
In a health care setting, narcotics is used in reference to a drug derived from opium poppy (or its synthetic substitute), binds to your opiate receptors and is most often prescribed for its effects as a strong pain reliever. However, a narcotic has other medically beneficial effects as well, such as induce sedation (anesthesia), relieve anxiety and treat chronic cough or severe diarrhea.
Narcotics are also used illegally for their euphoric effect. Law enforcement lumps all illicitly used controlled substances into the single heading of narcotics. So drugs like cocaine make the list, which is a stimulant with no opiate relationship. Nowadays medical professionals tend to use opioid instead of narcotic to avoid confusion.
A list of narcotics that would encompass most common folk usage would likely include:
All these drugs have at least one thing in common, a pain relieving effect.
