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NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen not only relieve pain but also reduce fever and inflammation. Narcotic analgesics such as opiates and opioids largely work through specific opioid receptors in the central nervous system and alter the perception of pain ( nociception). They are used to alleviate pain not relieved by the NSAIDs.

Analgesics are frequently used in combination, such as the paracetamol ( acetaminophenAcetaminophen ( USAN) or paracetamol ( INN), is a popular analgesic and antipyretic drug that is used for the relief of fever, headaches, and other minor aches and pains. It is a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu medications and many prescription) and codeineFor the rock band of this name see Codeine (band). Codeine ( INN) is an opioid used for its analgesic, antitussive and antidiarrhoeal properties. It is commonly marketed as the phosphate salt codeine phosphate . Codeine is an alkaloid found in opium in co preparations found in many non-prescription pain relievers. They can also be found in combination with vasoconstrictor drugs such as pseudoephedrinePseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine commonly used as a decongestant. The salts pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and pseudoephedrine sulfate are found in many over-the-counter preparations either as single-ingredient preparations, or more commonly in c for sinusA sinus is a pouch or cavity in any organ or tissue, or an abnormal cavity or passage caused by the destruction of tissue. The term is applied to a large number and variety of structures in the human body, such as a dilated portion of a blood vein, a chro-related preparations, or with antihistamineAn antihistamine is a chemical which serves to reduce or eliminate effects mediated by histamine, an endogenous chemical of the human body released during allergic reactions, at the histamine receptor. It can be administered locally (through the skin, nos drugs for allergy sufferers.

When used appropriately, narcotic analgesics are safe and effective, carrying relatively little risk of addiction. In the United States in recent years, however, there has been a wave of new addictions to prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin.

The U.S. Government is now taking steps to reverse this epidemic, which it has blamed on easy access to prescription drugs over the Internet.