Pain killers do exactly what the name implies: kill pain. While there were many early pain killers--from herbal remedies to alcoholic beverages--the first medical attempt to come up with a drug for serious pain occurred in the early 19th century when morphine was created from opium. Since then, there have been many different attempts to treat pain medically. Some common pain killers are derived from the same substance as morphine, while others have different origins.
Narcotic Analgesics
These medications are used to relieve severe pain. They all are derived from opium, so they are called opioids. They are used during surgery to increase the anesthetic effect in the patient. They also may be used for other severe pain that may occur because of injuries or diseases. Common analgesic narcotics such as hydrocodone and codeine also may used to suppress a cough. According to Drugs.com, the narcotic analgesic methadone is used to help some people withdraw from narcotics and heroin therapeutically as they decrease the withdrawal effects of the drugs. The most commonly known names of these types of pain killers include demerol, tramadol and fentanyl. The biggest problem with these drugs that act directly upon the central nervous system is the potential for addiction and dependence. As a person's body becomes acclimated to opioids, he may need more of them to get the same affect. Like heroin, which also is derived from opium, there can be serious withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping opioids.
Non-narcotic Analgesics
Acetaminophen or paracetamol are the most common non-narcotic analgesic pain killers on the market. These medications commonly are used by many people in over-the-counter non-prescription strengths to relieve simple pain such as headache or backache. Acetaminophen also may be used to help reduce fevers. It can be taken every four hours, but a doctor should be consulted for a daily continuation of this medication because of its affects of toxicity on the liver, its most serious side effect.
NSAIDs and Salicylates
One common pain-killer from the NSAID group is aspirin. NSAID means non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Aspirin is a common pain killer that was one of the first NSAIDs sold beginning in 1899. NSAIDs work differently than analgesics because they function to reduce inflammation that causes pain. They typically are recommended for arthritis symptoms because these are caused by inflammation. Aspirin, although it is used as a generic term, actually is the brand name of acetylsalicylic acid. Other OTC NSAIDs include naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, although these are available as prescription medicines as well. The prescription-only celecoxib is a common drug used to treat arthritis symptoms.
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