NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen not only relieve pain but also reduce fever and inflammation. Narcotic analgesics such as opiates and opioids largely work through specific opioid receptors in the central nervous system and alter the perception of pain (nociception). They are used to alleviate pain not relieved by the NSAIDs.
Analgesics are frequently used in combination, such as the paracetamol (acetaminophen) and codeine preparations found in many non-prescription pain relievers. They can also be found in combination with vasoconstrictor drugs such as pseudoephedrine for sinus_related preparations, or with antihistamine drugs for allergy sufferers.
When used appropriately, narcotic analgesics are safe and effective, carrying relatively little risk of addiction. In the United States in recent years, however, there has been a wave of new addictions to prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin.
The U.S. Government is now taking steps to reverse this epidemic, which it has blamed on easy access to prescription drugs over the Internet.
Analgesics should be dosed adequately to assure that the pain is at least tolerable, and frequently enough to avoid the anxiety that accompanies the anticipated return of pain.
Analgesics provide symptomatic relief but have no effect on causation, although clearly the NSAIDs, by virtue of their dual activities as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, may be beneficial in both regards.
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