Definition - What does Narcotic mean?

A narcotic is one of a classification of drugs that blocks pain by changing the body's perception of pain signals and the amount of stimulus required to feel the effects of pain. Drugs in the narcotics class are used to treat acute to chronic pain. A narcotic can be categorized as an opioid or analgesic medication and is either a prescription or illegal drug. Examples of a narcotic are oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, codeine, opium, and heroin.

SureHire explains Narcotic

A narcotic that is not regulated by the FDA is deemed to be illegal and so it cannot be prescribed or sold. Narcotics that are prescribed for treating patients with chronic pain can often lead to addiction and drug abuse. Over time, the dosage required to produce the same effects needs to be increased and the patient can become dependent on it in this way. Narcotics can also produce feelings of euphoria which make them subject to drug abuse. Typical side effects of narcotics are dizziness, headaches, nausea and constipation. More severe effects include hypertension, tachycardia, breathing difficulties, and cardiac arrest.

Related Terms

• Bilevel Therapy
• Environmental Nuisance Factor
• Rehabilitation Engineer
• Verified Laboratory Test
• Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
• Kidney Function Test
• International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology
• Creatinine Ratio
• Turnaround Times
• Heart Rate
• Hair Follicle Drug Testing
• American Thoracic Society