Pain Killer Information
There are a wide variety of pain killers, both over-the-counter and prescription. Pain killers, especially the opioids, are one of the most common types of prescription medications that are abused. If they are taken as directed by your doctor, in only the prescribed amount and only for the period of time they are needed, pain killers are safe to use.
-
Non-Opioids
-
Non-opioids include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. There are also prescription medications that are non-opioids such as diclofenac and ultram. These drugs may be delivered in pill or capsule form, injection, liquid or suppository. Many of these medications can irritate your stomach lining and should only be used on the advice of your physician. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever (and lowers fever) but does not reduce inflammation. However, long-term use or overuse can result in damage to your liver.
Weak Opioids
-
Weak opioids include medications such as codeine and tramadol. The side effects for these drugs may include constipation, itchy skin, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty urinating and blurry vision. Your health care provider should monitor your condition and side effects of the medication so that your dosage may be adjusted accordingly. Codeine is available in tablets and tramadol is available in tablets, capsules and tablets that dissolve on your tongue.
-
Strong Opioids
-
Strong opioids are the most effective pain killers available and are most often used to treat cancer patients with severe pain. They include morphine, oxycodone, methadone, diamorphine, buprenorphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl and alfentanyl. Side effects of these types of drugs may include drowsiness, constipation, itchy skin, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty urinating and blurry vision. These medications are available in liquid, tablets, slow-release capsules or tablets, suppositories, injections or intravenously through a pain pump. Many are available through skin patches.
Other Drugs
-
Other medications used to treat pain include steroids, antidepressants, bisphosphonates, anti-convulsants and local anesthetics. Steroids, such as cortisone, are often used for orthopedic concerns and are delivered by an injection directly into the area of pain. Antidepressants, such as clomipramine, desipramine and doxepin, are sometimes used for chronic pain. Bisphosphonates, such as fosmax and actonel, are used for bone cancer. Anti-convulsants are commonly used for pain related to nerve damage. Local anesthetics are topical medications such as lidocaine, novocaine and benzocaine that have a temporary numbing effect.
Considerations
-
Pain killers, especially the opioids, should be used with caution and only under the advice of a physician. Side effects can make them unsafe to use while driving or operating machinery. Alcohol can intensify the effects of pain medications. Medications should never be taken by anyone other than the person for whom they were prescribed.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Microsoft Clip Art
