Narcotic Pain Relievers

What is a narcotic?

A narcotic is a pain-reducing chemical derived from opium (or synthetically produced) with the side effects of euphoria, stupor, and insensibility.

Opiate – is a naturally occurring narcotic alkaloid found in the opium poppy plant, such as
- Morphine
- Codeine
Opioid – any fully or semi-synthetic narcotic (does not come directly from the poppy plant) that has opiate-like activity (made to mimic the effects of an opiate), such as
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone

The terms opiate and opioid are often used interchangeably, although there is a distinct ...

by Chris Whitehead

Medications for Anxiety and Panic Disorders

The major class of medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders is called benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic anxiolytics. Benzodiazepines are medications that work on the central nervous system (by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA) and are used as sedatives (calming effect), hypnotics (sleep aid), and anxiolytics (relieves anxiety).

Benzodiazepines are not for everyday stress and anxiety; they are prescribed for chronic and/or debilitating anxiety, panic disorders, and post-traumatic ...