Define 'narcotic analgesics'.

Narcotic analgesics, also known as opioids, are strong prescription medications specifically designed to relieve severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, effectively altering the perception of pain and emotional response to it. This class of medications includes well-known drugs such as morphine and oxycodone, which are often prescribed for conditions that involve intense pain, such as post-surgical recovery, cancer pain, or severe injuries.

The focus of their use is on providing significant pain relief, which distinguishes them from over-the-counter pain relievers. Although those are useful for mild to moderate pain, they do not have the potency of narcotic analgesics. Medications that treat anxiety and depression, while they may affect pain perception indirectly, are not classified as narcotics. Similarly, dietary supplements aimed at muscular pain do not fall under the category of narcotic analgesics as they typically lack the pharmacological properties necessary for severe pain management. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the strong, prescription-based nature of narcotic analgesics and their specific application in pain relief.