Pain relievers with potential for abuse and dependence are known as which?

Pain relievers with potential for abuse and dependence are known as which?

• A. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• B. Narcotic analgesics
• C. Acetaminophen
• D. Opioid antagonists

Answer: (B)

Narcotic analgesics are pain relievers with potential for abuse and dependence. They act on opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce strong analgesia, but also euphoria, which can lead to tolerance, withdrawal, and misuse. Because of this abuse potential, they’re typically tightly regulated. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen provide pain relief without the same addiction risk; they don’t produce the reinforcing effects that drive dependence. Opioid antagonists block opioid receptors and are used to treat overdoses or reverse opioid effects, not to provide ongoing analgesia or create dependence themselves.

Narcotic analgesics are pain relievers with potential for abuse and dependence. They act on opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce strong analgesia, but also euphoria, which can lead to tolerance, withdrawal, and misuse. Because of this abuse potential, they’re typically tightly regulated.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen provide pain relief without the same addiction risk; they don’t produce the reinforcing effects that drive dependence. Opioid antagonists block opioid receptors and are used to treat overdoses or reverse opioid effects, not to provide ongoing analgesia or create dependence themselves.