Pain Medications

Pain Medications

Pain Medications
Your first paragraph needs to outline the different types of drugs to relieve pain. Then, you ONLY select ONE type of pain medication to describe the mechanism of drug action (pharmacology) and the therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, you need to discuss the adverse effects, abuse potential, and toxicities of such type of drug (if applicable). Finally, you will describe your opinion of using such type of pain medication.
Pain medicines, whether they’re over-the-counter or prescription strength, can help you manage chronic pain and other kinds of pain. They’re powerful drugs, so it’s important to use them with care. It’s best to start with the safest drugs at the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time and work up from there as needed.
Be aware of possible side effects and interactions with other drugs and supplements you take. And always follow the directions on the label or your doctor’s prescription.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers include:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac gel
Both acetaminophen and NSAIDs reduce fever and relieve pain caused by muscle aches and stiffness, but only NSAIDs can also reduce inflammation (swelling, heat, redness related to an injury, and irritation). Acetaminophen and NSAIDs also work differently. NSAIDs relieve pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen works on the parts of the brain that receive the “pain messages.” NSAIDs are also available in a prescription strength that can be prescribed by your doctor.
Using NSAIDs regularly, especially at high doses, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes and can also cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. They can also cause kidney problems. Taking acetaminophen regularly at high doses can cause a liver problem. Taking a large amount at once intentionally or accidentally is a medical emergency.
Topical pain relievers are also available without a doctor’s prescription. These products include creams, lotions, or sprays that are applied to the skin in order to relieve pain from sore muscles and arthritis. Some examples of topical pain relievers include Aspercreme, BenGay, capsaicin cream, diclofenac gel, and Icy Hot.
Prescription Pain Relievers
Prescription medicines to treat pain include:
Corticosteroids
Opioids
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants (anti-seizure medications)
NSAIDs
Lidocaine patches
What Are Corticosteroids?
Prescription corticosteroids provide relief for inflamed areas of the body by easing swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.

Corticosteroids can be used to treat allergies, asthma, and arthritis. When used to control pain, they are generally given in the form of pills or injections that target a certain joint. Examples include methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and prednisone.
Prescription corticosteroids are strong medicines and may have serious side effects, including:
Weight gain and salt retention
Peptic ulcer disease
Mood changes
Trouble sleeping
Weakened immune system
Thinning of the bones and skin
High sugar levels
To minimize these potential side effects, corticosteroids are prescribed in the lowest dose possible for as short of a length of time as needed to relieve the pain. Another way to minimize these side effects is to give the steroid by injection to target the particular problem area.

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What Are Opioids?
Opioids are narcotic pain medications that contain natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic opiates. Opioids are often used for acute pain, such as short-term pain after surgery. Some examples of opioids include:
Codeine
Fentanyl
Hydrocodone-acetaminophen
Morphine
Oxycodone
Oxycodone-acetaminophen
Opioids are effective for severe pain and do not cause bleeding in the stomach or other parts of the body, as can some other types of pain relievers. However, they can be extremely addictive, and doctors will try to find alternatives to prescribing them. It’s rare for people to become addicted to opioids if the drugs are used to treat pain for a short period of time. But if used to treat chronic pain, the risk of addiction is real and potentially dangerous.
Side effects of opioids may include:
Drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Itching
Breathing problems
Addiction
What Are Antidepressants?
Antidepressants are drugs that can treat pain and emotional conditions by adjusting levels of neurotransmitters (natural chemicals) in the brain. These medications can increase the availability of the body’s signals for well-being and relaxation, enabling pain control for some people with chronic pain conditions that do not completely respond to usual treatments. Research suggests certain antidepressants (tricyclics) work best for neuropathic or nerve pain.
Chronic pain conditions treated by low-dose antidepressants include some types of headaches (like migraines) and menstrual pain. Some antidepressant medications include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft)
Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil), and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor)
These drugs require a steady dose of the medicine buildup in the body over a period of time to work. The doses needed to treat pain are often lower than those needed to treat depression.
Generally, SSRIs and SNRIs have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. The most common side effects with antidepressants include:
Blurry vision
Constipation
Difficulty urinating
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Nausea
Headache
Sexual dysfunction
What Are Anticonvulsants?
Anticonvulsants are drugs typically used to treat seizure disorders. Some of these medications are effective in treating pain as well. The exact way in which these medicines control pain is unclear, but it is thought that they minimize the effects of nerves that sense pain. Some examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol), gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), and topiramate (Topamax).