Final answer:
Opioids like morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl are prescription medications best suited for severe or chronic pain not relieved by other treatments. They should be used under strict medical supervision due to the risk of addiction and serious side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opioids are prescription medications that are highly effective at relieving pain, particularly for severe or chronic pain that does not respond well to other treatments such as over-the-counter (OTC) medications or non-opioid pain relievers. Opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl work by mimicking the body's own pain-relieving chemicals, binding to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain and produce euphoria.
However, because of the high potential for abuse and addiction, opioids are recommended only under strict medical supervision and typically when other pain relief methods have proven ineffective. Morphine is commonly used before and after surgical procedures to alleviate severe pain while oxycodone is prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Additionally, codeine is often prescribed for mild to moderate pain and commonly combined with non-opioid analgesics. It is crucial to recognize the risks of serious side effects and addiction when using these potent pain relievers.