Information on Pain Medication

Pain Pills

Pain medication is prescribed to people with mild to severe pain. These pills are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, because of the pills' potential for abuse. Pain pills are powerful medications that alleviate pain from chronic conditions or from temporary conditions like post-operative pain.

Function

Pain medication attaches to mu receptors in the brain. These receptors are also called opioid receptors. Attachment causes depression of the central nervous system and alleviation of pain.

Types

There are two types of pain medications are available, opiates and opioids. Opiates are natural agents, such as opium, that come directly from the plant. Opioids are created synthetically by chemists and include drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl.

Effects

The effects of pain medication are numbness, fatigue and reduction in pain. The patient may fall asleep suddenly, which is referred to as "nodding."

Source

Pain medication is only available by prescription from a doctor. These drugs are scheduled by the government, which means they fall under narcotic regulations.

Warning

Strong pain medication like fentanyl, oxycontin and vicodin cause respiratory depression. Patients who overdose can have trouble breathing, which can lead to cardiac arrest. Always contact emergency medical services in instances of an overdose.

References

• University of South Carolina Keck School of Medicine: "Pain Management and Medication After Heart Surgery"
• Utah State University: "Progress in Opiate Pharmacology"