Various types of pain medication can treat different pain syndromes. Each drug treats specific types of pain, such as long lasting or short-term pain.
Some pain medications are available over the counter (OTC) at the pharmacy. Stronger pain relievers require a doctor’s prescription. The right pain medication depends on several factors, such as the cause and intensity of pain.
This article provides an overview of the different types of pain medication.
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People may find three types of pain medications OTC:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Some NSAIDs that people can try without a prescription include:
- ibuprofen (Advil)
- acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)
- low dose naproxen (Aleve)
NSAIDs reduce pain from inflammation. They work by blocking an enzyme in the body that produces prostaglandins. These natural chemicals
- nausea
- upset stomach
- other gastrointestinal disturbances
- high blood pressure
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever. People use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild to moderate pain. They are sometimes used in combination with other pain relievers. However, experts do not yet know how acetaminophen helps treat pain.
For severe pain, acetaminophen is less useful.
Side effects of acetaminophen are:
- rash
- allergic reaction
- certain metabolic disorders, such as low sodium levels in the blood and low red blood cell count
Typically, acetaminophen is
Topical analgesics
People use topical analgesics to treat local pain without taking a pill by mouth. Topical agents are applied to the skin at the location of the pain.
For example, doctors may
People may relieve muscle, joint, and tendon pain by rubbing topical salicylate into the skin. They work by causing irritation in the skin, a mechanism used to counteract the sensation of pain.
Topical capsaicin is another agent people can apply to the skin for pain relief. It works by attaching to pain receptors on the skin that have a role in pain signaling. By sticking to the pain receptors and keeping them occupied, the receptors lose their function and stop signaling pain.
Some people use capsaicin for pain caused by herpes zoster virus or shingles. People with osteoarthritis may benefit from using capsaicin. This topical medication is usually safe but may cause a rash or itching on the skin.
Each medication works in a different way to treat pain:
Prescription NSAIDs
Certain NSAIDs are only available through a doctor’s prescription. They work in the same way as NSAIDs. Examples of common NSAIDs doctors may prescribe include:
- oral diclofenac (Zipsor)
- meloxicam (Mobic)
- celecoxib (Celebrex)
People who need prescription NSAIDs may be experiencing inflammation and mild-to-moderate pain.
While the side effects of prescription NSAIDs are similar to over-the-counter NSAIDs, they can be more severe. A doctor must first authorize its use by assessing a person individually. They may also monitor people closely while taking prescription NSAIDs.
Antiacid medications may need to be taken with some prescription NSAIDs, and this is to counteract some of the gastrointestinal side effects. If people are experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms, they should talk with their doctor before starting antacids.
Tramadol and opioids
Opioids include medications that resemble the natural plant alkaloids found in opium. Examples of opioid drugs include:
- morphine (MS Contin)
- oxycodone (Oxycontin)
- fentanyl patch
These are the most
Some side effects of opioids include:
- extreme changes in mood
- heavy sleepiness
- constipation
- nausea and vomiting
- trouble breathing
People can also develop a tolerance and addiction to opioids.
Tramadol (Ultram) is a drug called an opioid agonist, but it acts differently than opioids. Both opioids and tramadol block certain receptors, which help treat pain. Tramadol acts on neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and serotonin.
Corticosteroids
Doctors reserve corticosteroids for flare-ups of long-term pain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation that leads to pain. However, its use is
Some side effects of corticosteroids can include:
- upset stomach
- stomach ulcers
- osteoporosis
- fractures
- diabetes
- adrenal insufficiency
Antiseizure medications
Doctors may sometimes prescribe antiseizure medications for pain. These may include:
- gabapentin (Neurontin)
- pregabalin (Lyrica)
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Antiseizure medication reduces the release of chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, that signal pain. Doctors may prescribe these antiseizure medications for specific types of nerve pain.
The
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- fluid buildup in the legs
- suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Each antiseizure medication has its own specific side effect profile. For example, gabapentin may cause confusion in some.
Antidepressants
Amitriptyline and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are two
- chronic pain
- nerve pain
- long lasting muscle and bone pain
Some people take antidepressants to prevent migraine or tension headaches.
Like antiseizure medications, antidepressants act on different neurotransmitters to help treat pain. Noradrenaline and serotonin — which are involved in mood and pain disorders — are two neurotransmitters they act on.
Some side effects of antidepressants include:
- nausea
- constipation
- headache
- suicidal thoughts and behaviors
It is important to treat pain during pregnancy. When left untreated, pain can cause depression and high blood pressure during pregnancy. A doctor can best advise on the appropriate medication and dosing that is safe for pregnant people.
Acetaminophen is
Also, most NSAIDs are appropriate for mild to moderate pain during the first and second trimesters. Doctors
Doctors may also
Some other pain medications that may be safe during pregnancy
- pregabalin (Lyrica)
- gabapentin (Neurontin)
- amitriptyline
People respond to pain differently since tolerance varies. If OTC medications are not providing significant relief, talk with a doctor. Depending on their pain assessment, they can prescribe appropriate prescription pain relievers.
Once starting a prescription pain reliever, it is important to
Managing pain when it is addressed early usually makes it easier to treat. Putting off going to the doctor is not helpful as feeling pain can affect a person’s quality of life. Managing pain may sometimes require a network of different healthcare professionals.
People with medical conditions or other circumstances that impact the safety of using pain relievers, should speak with a doctor before taking any medications.
Different pain medications treat various pain disorders because they work in different ways. They each have their indications and side effects. Some are available over the counter, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), while others require a prescription.
To find the most appropriate pain medications, consult a doctor or pharmacist.