Narcotic
A narcotic (also called opioid or opiate) is a substance that can suppress perception of pain and calm the emotional response to pain by reducing the number of pain signals sent by the nervous system. Narcotics produce a feeling of well-being (euphoria), and cause mood changes, cloudy thinking, and deep sleep.
Commonly prescribed legal narcotics include meperidine, butorphanol, codeine, morphine, and hydrocodone. Heroin is an illegal narcotic. Side effects of narcotics may include constipation and nausea. Frequent use of narcotics may make a person dependent on them.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.