Analgesics

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek analgEsia, from an- + algEsis sense of pain, from algein to suffer pain, from algos pain
Date: circa 1706
: insensibility to pain without loss of consciousness

Source: Merriam-Webster On-line Web dictionary

Aleve

Drug name: Naproxen (na-PROX-en)

The drug reduces hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Used to reduce pain; inflammation; and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing, spondylitis, injury, abdominal cramps associated with menstruation, tendonitis, and bursitis. An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, seizures, sweating, numbness or tingling, little or no urine production, and slow breathing.

Aspirin (AS-pir-in)

Reduces substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Used to reduce pain, inflammation and fever. An overdose may cause ringing in the ears, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, seizures, rapid breathing, and fever.

Heroin

What is Heroin? Heroin is taken from the opium poppy plant and is usually in powder form. The purity and strength of the drug depends on the color and texture of the powder. White powder is more refined than pink or brown “lumpy” powder. Heroin is a depressant and a strong painkiller, which is one of a group of drugs called narcotic analgesics.

What are Other Names for Heroin? Smack, skag, h, hammer, and horse.

How is it Used? The powder can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Heroin absorbs quickly in the blood and takes effect on the brain quickly.

What are the Effects? Heroin use slows down the brain and the central nervous system. Like most drugs, the purity/strength, dosage, body size, and environment are a few factors to consider when the drug is taken. The effects can be different for different users. Short term or immediate effects of heroin usually last a few hours. Physical pain disappears, breathing becomes shallow, and because the body isn’t taking in a lot of oxygen, sleepiness occurs. Long term effects include loss of appetite, pneumonia (serious lung disease), and other heart and lung problems.

Are there Withdrawal Symptoms? YES. When heroin loses its effect on the body, the body goes through several changes. There is craving for more heroin, feeling of restlessness, cramping of muscles, lowering of blood pressure, and diarrhea.

Tylenol

Drug name: Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen)

This drug is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat headache, muscle ache, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers. An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.

Tylox or Percocet

Drug name: Acetaminophen and oxycodone (a-see-tah-MIH-no-fen and Ox-ee-KOE-done)

It relieves moderate-to-severe pain. An overdose may cause slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

Vicodin

Drug name: Acetaminophen and hydrocodone (a-seet-a-MIN-o-fen and hyedreo-KOE-done)

Hydrocodone (related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics, which relieves pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone. The two drugs combined are used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain. An overdose may cause slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

*If you would like more information about Analgesics, check out the Resources page.