Pain Medications

 
A pain medicine lessens the amount, duration, or sensation of pain.

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Over-the-counter pain medicine

Many pain medicines are available over the counter, without a prescription. Common over-the-counter pain medicines include: · acetaminophen · nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are all NSAIDs.

Prescription pain medicine

Prescription pain medicines are available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Examples include: · anticonvulsants, which can relieve chronic nerve pain. Examples include phenytoin and carbamazepine. · antidepressants, which may relieve certain kinds of chronic pain. Common antidepressants include amitriptyline, trazodone, and imipramine. · capsaicin, a cream that can relieve skin pain caused by shingles, nerve problems, and other causes · corticosteroids, which can relieve pain from inflammation · narcotics, which are the most effective for moderate to severe pain. Common narcotics include morphine, codeine, meperidine, and oxycodone. · sumatriptan and naratriptan, which can relieve the pain of a migraine headache · tramadol, which is used mainly for chronic pain

Side effects

All medicines have potential side effects, including allergic reactions. Other common side effects of pain medicines include: · diabetes and osteoporosis with long-term use of corticosteroids · dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea with tramadol · drowsiness and confusion with anticonvulsants · drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and potential addiction with narcotics · dry mouth, drowsiness, and constipation with antidepressants · increased blood sugar and increased risk of infection with corticosteroid use · liver damage with high doses of acetaminophen, especially when it's used for long periods of time · rarely, increased blood pressure with sumatriptan and naratriptan · stomach upset, diarrhea, and rarely bleeding and kidney problems with NSAIDs

Some people have severe pain that won't respond to over-the-counter pain medicines. These people should talk to their healthcare provider. Pain can be a sign of a serious problem. If it is not, a healthcare provider can prescribe stronger medicine or suggest a specialist who can help control chronic pain.

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