Medications for Pain
All people experience pain to some degree at one time or another. Pain medications may be needed to treat chronic headaches, arthritis, post-surgery aches and other conditions. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are effective for mild to moderate pain, but prescription-strength medications will likely be needed for more severe pain.
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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents reduce pain by reducing inflammation within the body. Such medications are typically available OTC and include Motrin, Advil and Aleve.
OTC Analgesics
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OTC analgesics are another type of pain medication readily available. Popular OTC analgesics include Tylenol, Anacin and Ultram.
Narcotic Analgesics
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Narcotic analgesics are a class of prescription pain medications. Such medications include oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, buprenorphine and morphine.
Narcotic Analgesic Combinations
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Narcotic analgesic combinations contain acetaminophen along with another pain medication in one pill. Common prescription narcotic analgesic combinations are Percocet, Lorcet, Lortab, Vicodin and Tylox.
Antidepressants
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Prescription antidepressants, such as Cymbalta and Elavil, may be prescribed for pain that is associated with conditions, such as depression and fibromyalgia.
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