Which drug class is primarily used to induce the inability to feel pain?

The drug class primarily used to induce the inability to feel pain is anesthetics. Anesthetics work by temporarily blocking sensations, including pain, and are commonly used during surgical procedures or other medical interventions where pain management is necessary.

Anesthetics can be categorized into general anesthetics, which induce a complete loss of consciousness and sensation throughout the body, and local anesthetics, which numb a specific area without affecting overall awareness. The primary purpose of anesthetics is to ensure patient comfort and safety during procedures that would otherwise cause significant discomfort or pain.

In contrast, analgesics are specifically designed for pain relief but do not produce unconsciousness or loss of sensation. Antidepressants are focused on treating mood disorders and do not serve the purpose of pain management. Antibiotics are utilized to treat bacterial infections and are not related to pain management at all. Thus, anesthetics are distinctly appropriate for inducing a state where pain perception is eliminated.