How does Nalbuphine relieve pain?

Nalbuphine relieves pain primarily by acting on opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It is classified as a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist, meaning it can activate certain opioid receptors while blocking others. This unique mechanism allows it to provide analgesic effects similar to other opioids, effectively reducing the perception of pain. It binds primarily to the kappa opioid receptors, which facilitates pain relief while having a lower risk of respiratory depression compared to full agonists.

In contrast to the other options, Nalbuphine does not induce sleep directly, nor does it work by anesthetizing an area or inducing amnesia. Its primary function is to modulate pain perception through its interactions with the opioid receptor system rather than causing unconsciousness or loss of memory. Thus, its efficacy in pain management stems from its specific pharmacological action on opioid receptors.