Which medication is NOT an analgesic?

Versed, known generically as midazolam, is a medication primarily used as a sedative and anxiolytic agent. While it can create a calming effect and is often used in procedures to help alleviate anxiety, it does not possess analgesic properties, meaning it does not have the capability to relieve pain. In contrast, the other choices—meperidine, fentanyl, and morphine—are all medications classified as analgesics, which are specifically designed to relieve pain. These opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain. In summary, while Versed is an important medication in procedural sedation, it does not serve the role of an analgesic.