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.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents

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

OTC analgesics are another type of pain medication readily available. Popular OTC analgesics include Tylenol, Anacin and Ultram.

Narcotic Analgesics

Narcotic analgesics are a class of prescription pain medications. Such medications include oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, buprenorphine and morphine.

Narcotic Analgesic Combinations

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

Prescription antidepressants, such as Cymbalta and Elavil, may be prescribed for pain that is associated with conditions, such as depression and fibromyalgia.

References

• Drugs.com: Pain Medications
• MayoClinic.com: Read the Label on Pain Medications

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