Pain medications

Medications for Pain Management

There are many medication options for pain that can reduce or eliminate pain. They work in different ways. Some can be found over the counter while others require a prescription.

First let’s talk about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. They include topical products or pills such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, or aspirin. Ibuprofen is commonly known by brand names Motrin or Advil. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Help with mild to moderate pain, swelling, and inflammation. They block chemicals in the body that cause pain and swelling. Many of these are available over the counter without a prescription. Stronger NSAIDs require a prescription.

NSAIDs in pill form can be harsh on the stomach and intestines causing gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding. They can also impact kidney function so should be used with caution in people with reduced kidney function, and in people who are older or prone to bleeding. When used carefully, NSAIDs can be a good choice for short term pain such as toothache, muscle strain, or menstrual cramps. They can also reduce fever.

Topical NSAID pain relievers are creams, gels, or patches that you put directly on your skin and reduce pain where you place them. Topical products have minimal side effects, but redness and irritation can occur. If these are used for long periods of time or too much is used, additional side effects can occur, such as headache and stomach upset.

Another topical treatment option is lidocaine. This works by blocking pain signals by numbing the skin. This type of medication is helpful for nerve-based pain, such as after shingles. Topical capsaicin can be used for similar conditions as well as for sore muscles. It is made of hot peppers and works by reducing sensitivity to pain. With any topical products, there are local risks such as redness and irritation to skin or eyes. especially if applied in large amounts or at certain times such as after a warm shower or bath.

When used with massage, topical pain relief products may contain ingredients like menthol or camphor that provide a cooling or warming sensation that promotes relaxation and improves blood flow which can aid in muscle recovery and help block pain signals from reaching the brain.

Acetaminophen, commonly known by its brand name Tylenol, is another over the counter option that can help with mild to moderate pain and lowering fever. It does not have anti-inflammatory properties, however, it is considered a safe and effective choice for many pain conditions. It is important to know that Acetaminophen has a daily dose limit to prevent against liver damage. Be sure to report the use of any over the counter medicines to your healthcare practitioners and pharmacists because many products contain similar ingredients listed under different names. Several common prescription pain medicines combine acetaminophen with opioids. A person can easily consume too much acetaminophen without realizing it.

For lasting pain that is interfering with your activities or quality of life, it may be suggested you try prescription medication. Two common types are antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which are medications used for depression or seizures. These can help with certain types of pain, like nerve pain.

Antidepressants may be helpful in treating a number of painful conditions such as fibromyalgia and complex pain syndrome. They can also help with symptoms that can accompany pain including depression and poor sleep.

Pregabalin and gabapentin are anticonvulsants most often used to treat neuropathic, or nerve-based pain. They can cause drowsiness so you should not drive, or do other complex tasks, until you know how they affect you. These medicines also carry some risks of misuse and addiction that should be discussed before beginning use.

Opioids are the strongest pain medicines you can receive with a prescription and generally should be reserved for pain that cannot be relieved with other options. Medicines like morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone are commonly prescribed and are available in a number of brand names such as Percocet, Norco, or Vicodin. Opioids work well for severe pain and can be given in pills, intravenous solutions, injections, or patches.

Opioids have both mild and serious potential risks. Opioids can make you feel sleepy or dizzy, can interfere with driving, and can cause you to stop breathing. They require a doctor's prescription and should be used carefully and only by the person for whom they are prescribed.

Opioids carry additional risks when combined with other sedating drugs such as benzodiazepines and should not be used with alcohol or recreational drugs. They carry a risk of addiction and overdose death. Opioid medicines should be safely stored and never shared.

For more information on opioids, please visit the Opioid Safety section of the Relief Pain Hub. All medicines come with potential risks and benefits that should be discussed with your health care team to determine the best fit for you and your pain management goals. There are many to explore as part of your pain management plan.