This is a term applied to any medication that relieves pain. Analgesics are usually divided into two major groups, opiates and non-opiates. The opiates are derived from the opium plant and are termed narcotics. All other medications used to relieve pain that are not derived from the opium family are included in the non-opiates. This group contains the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and other medications.