What does the term "opioid analgesic" refer to?

The term "opioid analgesic" specifically refers to a class of drugs that are used to relieve pain by targeting opioid receptors in the central nervous system. These drugs work by mimicking the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, known as endorphins, which bind to these receptors to reduce the perception of pain. Opioid analgesics are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain management due to their effectiveness.

In contrast, the other options describe different categories of medications that do not relate to the function of opioid analgesics. For example, medications that reduce inflammation are typically classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, rather than opioids. Antidepressants are primarily used to treat mood disorders and do not function as pain relievers through opioid receptor pathways. Additionally, medications targeted solely for anxiety management usually include anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines, distinct from opioid analgesics. Thus, the definition of "opioid analgesic" is very specific to pain management via opioid receptor action.