When pain relievers, or analgesics, are taken under a doctor’s supervision, these drugs can provide relief from the discomfort of illness or injury. But many of the most effective analgesics on the market are opioid narcotics, which can be very addictive.
Along with dependence and addiction, opioid analgesics pose a high risk of overdose. These central nervous system depressants can slow down the heart rate and breathing to dangerous levels, especially when they are taken with other depressants, such as alcohol or tranquilizers.
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