MEDICINES FOR PAIN

Medicines that relieve or reduce pain are called analgesics. They act on the nervous system to reduce pain. Analgesics give only temporary pain relief because they do not affect the cause of the pain. They either reduce pain or relieve it completely. There are two types of analgesics:

~nonprescription (over-the-counter) pain medicines
~prescription pain medicines

Nonprescription pain medicines are for mild to moderate pain. They can be bought at any drugstore. Aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are two common over-the-counter pain relievers. These medicines are stronger analgesics than most people realize. In many cases, aspirin or acetaminophen is all that you need to relieve pain, especially if you take it on a regular basis (three or four times a day) to prevent pain.

Prescription pain medicines are ordered by your doctor and obtained from a druggist for moderate to sever pain. Opioids are an example of these drugs, and they have the ability to relieve pain and cause drowsiness or sleep. They may be habit-forming. Opioids may be used alone or with nonprescription pain relievers to treat moderate to severe pain. Some work better than others in relieving severe pain.

Opioids are the major class of analgesics used in the management of moderate to severe pain. Opioids are prescription pain medications and must be obtained by a doctor's orders. Opioids work on the brain, changing the patient's response to pain. Some common opioids include:
~codeine
~hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
~levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran)
~meperidine (Demerol)
~methadone (Dolophine)
~morphine
~oxycodone (in Percodan)

Some common side effects of these drugs include:
~drowsiness
~constipation
~dry mouth
~vomiting

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. These drugs may be prescription or nonprescription. Anti-inflammatory agents, as their name suggests, help reduce inflammation (swelling, redness, heat) after an injury such as a fracture or sprain. They also decrease inflammation in areas of arthritis, bursitis, or other similar conditions. By reducing inflammation they can also reduce pain, since some of the body's natural chemicals that cause inflammation also cause pain. In addition to decreasing swelling, the NSAIDs also reduce fevers. Drugs in this category include:
~ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin)
~meclofenamate (Meclomen)
~naproxen (Naprosyn)
~sulindac (Clinoril)

Some common side effects of these drugs include:
~prolonged bleeding
~headache, drowsiness, dizziness
~nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion
~respiratory depression
~itching

WHY SHOULD I USE THE PAIN MEDICINE?

~It is important that you are comfortable and function to your full potential.

~Not using your pain medicine and "toughing it out" may cause further health problems.

~When you are in pain, you are unable to move and function as well as when you are pain-free. These changes may affect other areas of your health and cause further discomfort.