1 Mixed agonist‐antagonist analgesics have analgesic action but also possess a range of side‐effects. 2 Narcotic antagonists do not reverse the non‐specific effects of opiates. 3 Under certain circumstances the effects of agonists and mixed agonist‐antagonists can be additive. 4 Chronic dosage of mixed agonist‐antagonists leads to a lower level of dependence than that observed with the standard narcotics. 5 Mixed agonist‐antagonists may not antagonize the respiratory effects of narcotics and may result in potentiation of such depression.