barbzilla1 t1_jeg5ch0 wrote
Reply to comment by ilovemybrownies in What is known about pain enhancement? For instance, are there drugs that are the opposite of analgesics? If so, what are they and how do they work with neurons/neurotransmitters? by DollyPartWithOn
That's primarily because opiates themselves have very weak analgesic properties. This is why most prescription opiates come with acetaminophen or APAP, as it is one of the most effective analgesics. What the opiates do however, is dump a ton of dopamine on your neurotransmitters causing you to care less about the pain that you were already in. For some reason after perceiving less pain you'll actually start to feel less pain too, and I don't just mean on the short term there is an actual correlation between accepting the pain and lessening the pain
Vergilx217 t1_jeg92nw wrote
...this isn't very correct
Opioids are certainly considered very potent analgesics because of their interactions with the μ, κ, and δ receptors. These generally work through inducing secondary messengers like cAMP to block calcium channels and activate potassium channels, which usually makes it much more difficult for pain sensing neurons to transmit signals. The underlying pathology of addiction is related to dopamine release in the addiction centers like the VTA, but that's certainly different from how pain is actually blocked.
Tylenol is also not a particularly strong analgesic by any stretch, but it works by inhibiting inflammatory pathways. It's often given in conjunction with opioids because it can reduce swelling and discomfort that isn't strictly pain.
barbzilla1 t1_jeh2lnf wrote
Your understanding seems more complete than mine so anybody else reading this listen to this guy. Mine is just armchair knowledge from studying my own medical issues.
International_Bet_91 t1_jegcumi wrote
This is wrong.
Acetaminophen is a level 1 (weak) analgesic. Opioids are level 2 or the 3 depending on the drug. Level 3 is the highest level.
barbzilla1 t1_jeglpd2 wrote
When they are speaking of pain meds here they are testing responsiveness to said pain using the hotplate test with mice. While it has an analgesic property as it brings relief, it is not lessening nerve signals as the topic was about. I realize I'm using layman's terminology, but there are many plants with much better allergies and effects as far as reducing nerve signal. Such as Tylenol and aspirin, so honestly the gold standard is cone snail toxin but most people are prescribed either gabapentin or Lyrica.
AAA515 t1_jegvr3u wrote
What is this hotplate test and why do I not like it already?
barbzilla1 t1_jeh2h6l wrote
They set the temperature of a scientific hotplate to the level painful but not physically damaging to lab mice, then administer a combo of whatever drug they are testing and a control/placebo to various mice, they then place said mice in said hotplate and time the pain reaction. The mice usually get used for between a week and a month then are either dissected or disposed of.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments