Narcotic analgesics are derived from opium and are known as opioids. This is the same source of heroin. The first use of a narcotic analgesic came when Friedrich Serturner, a German pharmacist, isolated morphine in 1803. Morphine came into wide use during the American Civil War and led to the "soldier's disease" of addiction to the drug. Narcotic analgesics may be the best pain killers available, but they also are highly addictive controlled substances in the United States.
Morphine
Like all narcotic analgesics, morphine works by reducing the brain's ability to detect pain. The drug may be prescribed for pain that is moderate or severe, and it may be administered intravenously or as a pill. Typical side effects of morphine include a reduced heart rate, constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and insomnia.
Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone, RxList.com states, is a partially synthetic opioid that may be used as a morphine substitute. It may be injected, taken as a pill or used as a suppository. It is sold as Opana and Numorphan in the United States. Common temporary side effects may include sweating increases, nausea and dizziness.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone typically is marketed in the United States as a combination drug with some less addictive medication. For example, Vicodin and Lortab both are combinations of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen, and Tussionex combines chlorpheniramine with hydrocodone. It generally is administered as a pill to kill pain. Hydrocodone itself has typical narcotic analgesic side effects such as sleepiness and nausea.
Darvon
Darvon is known generically as propoxyphene. It also may be combined with other medications to relieve pain that may be mild or moderate. As with all narcotic analgesics, Darvon is generally intended for short-term use. It may be used to relieve pain from an injury or pain from the after-effects of surgery. Which narcotic your physician prescribes will depend on your condition and the type of pain you are experiencing.
