Prescription narcotics, commonly referred to as opioid analgesics, are potent medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to effectively manage moderate to severe pain. These drugs either derive from opium or are synthesized to replicate its effects. They function by interacting with the central nervous system, specifically by binding to opioid receptors located in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas throughout the body. Notable examples of these medications include morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, each differing in their strength and specific use cases.