Which type of anesthetic is often classified as an agonist?

Induction agents are often classified as agonists because they activate specific receptors in the nervous system to produce the desired state of anesthesia. These agents typically facilitate the onset of anesthesia by inducing a state of unconsciousness or sedation, acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors or similar pathways in the brain. This activation of the receptors is what characterizes them as agonists, leading to a decrease in neuronal excitability and modulation of consciousness.

In contrast, reversal agents are used to counteract the effects of other anesthetics but do not activate the receptors themselves. Partial agonists only activate receptors to a limited extent compared to full agonists and can have both agonistic and antagonistic properties. Neuromuscular blockers work primarily by inhibiting transmission at the neuromuscular junction, affecting muscle relaxation rather than producing anesthesia directly through receptor activation. Thus, induction agents stand out as the correct choice in the context of the question.