Narcotic Analgesics Overview

Narcotic Analgesics

• Prescription pain relievers used for moderate to severe pain.
• Functions to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Common side effects include constipation, sedation, respiratory depression, and loss of appetite.
• Symptoms can also include low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and physical dependence.

Inhalants

• Include products like spray paints, markers, and glues commonly found in homes or workplaces.
• Contain psychoactive substances that induce mind-altering effects.
• Initial effects involve a "rush" or "high," increased coordination, and lowered inhibitions.
• Risks include confusion, hallucinations, blackouts, and potential seizures.

Cannabis

• Cannabis (marijuana) primarily utilized as a recreational drug.
• Known effects include increased pulse, elevated blood pressure, and nervousness.

Hallucinogens

• Characterized by altering mood and perception; also known as psychedelic drugs.
• Causes distorted sense of reality, including visual and auditory hallucinations.
• No recognized medical use; includes LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms), and PCP.
• Symptoms can involve nausea, panic, anxiety, and increased body temperature.

Dissociative Anesthetics

• Known as dissociatives, they create feelings of detachment from reality, body, or environment.
• Produce effects such as drowsiness, respiratory depression, and pain relief.
• Common symptoms include amnesia, loss of muscle control, and cognitive impairment.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

• Calming and relaxing effects that slow mental and physical activity.
• Useful for treating anxiety, panic, stress reactions, and sleep disorders.
• Barbiturates act sedatively at low doses and induce sleep at higher doses.
• Abusers may exhibit slow movement and slurred speech.