Final answer:
Drugs that reduce pain by suppressing the central nervous system include depressants such as analgesics and narcotics, which may contain opioids like morphine and codeine. They are prescribed for pain management and work as agonists of the GABA neurotransmitter system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The group of drugs that acts to reduce pain by suppressing the central nervous system's ability to relay pain messages to the brain is known as depressants. These drugs, which include analgesics and narcotics, lower neurotransmission levels, thereby reducing arousal or stimulation in the brain. In the field of medicine, these substances are often used to manage pain. For acute pain, such as that resulting from injuries, or for chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, cancer, or fibromyalgia, opioids like morphine and codeine may be prescribed. These opioids work effectively because they mimic the body's endogenous pain-relief mechanism.
Some depressants serve as agonists of the gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system, which has a calming effect on the brain. As GABA agonists, substances like barbiturates and benzodiazepines can also help alleviate anxiety and insomnia. It is important to note the potential for abuse with opioids, which provide an euphoric high due to their painkilling and pleasure-inducing effects.