Final answer:
The most frequently prescribed psychoactive drugs to relieve pain are narcotics (e.g., morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl). Thus the correct option is (e).
Explanation:
Narcotics, also known as opioids, are a class of drugs that are derived from the opium poppy or synthetically produced to mimic its effects. They work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and body called opioid receptors. These receptors are part of the body's natural pain response system, which helps to regulate pain sensations.Thus the correct option is (e).
When narcotics bind to these receptors, they activate a cascade of chemical reactions that ultimately result in reduced pain sensations. This is achieved by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the site of injury or inflammation to the brain, where they would normally be perceived as painful.
Narcotics are highly effective in managing severe or chronic pain because they can provide significant relief even in cases where other pain medications have failed. They are commonly prescribed for conditions such as cancer pain, post-surgical pain, and chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain.