When it comes to medications for chronic pain, there are seemingly countless choices out there.
How do you know what pain medication is right for you?
Different types of pain medications are prescribed for different diagnoses, but there are still many choices available.
Verywell / JR Bee
They may also be used to controlbreakthrough pain.
Unlike opioids, manyNSAIDsas well as acetaminophen (Tylenol) are available over-the-counter.
However, stronger prescription versions are also available for chronic pain treatment.
Some examples of NSAIDs used for chronic pain are ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam.
These include nausea, stomach pain, gastrointestinal ulcers, and bleeding as well as increased potential for bruising.
Taking large doses of NSAIDs can result in high blood pressure, kidney problems, and fluid retention.
Some types of NSAIDsin particular, the selective COX-2 inhibitorsmay increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are adjuvant analgesics.
First, they may change the way pain is perceived from the spinal cord to the brain.
Second, they may decrease anxiety and help regulate sleep.
Not all types of antidepressants are useful as chronic pain medications.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), on the other hand, are not as effective in pain control.
The side effects of antidepressants are generally mild and may include nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness.
While rare, antidepressants may worsen depression or cause suicidal thoughts.
If you notice changes in your mood or way of thinking, speak to your healthcare provider immediately.
Anticonvulsants are also adjuvant analgesics.
Anticonvulsants commonly used as pain medications include gabapentin and pregabalin.
The most common side effects are dizziness and somnolence.
Topical Analgesics
Topical analgesics are pain medications that are applied to the skin.
They are available as creams, lotions orpatches.
Some types of topical pain medications may be purchased over-the-counter, while others require a healthcare providers prescription.
They work in a few different ways, depending on their active ingredients.
Others contain a skin irritant that can interfere with pain perception, such as capsaicin.
Opioids (Narcotics)
Opioids are pain medications used for moderate to severe chronic pain.
Opioids may be short-acting or long-acting pain medications.
Inchronic pain management, the latter is more commonly used.
Different types of opioids are used for different types of chronic pain.
These pain medications are available in both pill or patch form.
Some examples of opioids used to treat chronic pain are oxycodone and fentanyl.
Opioids may be used alone or combined with other pain medications such as acetaminophen.
While opioids are often effective against chronic pain, they do have potential complications.
Whatever the case, be sure to use your medication only as directed.
Many pain medications have drug interaction warnings, including several of those listed above.
The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.Pain: Treatment.
American Chronic Pain Association.APCA medications and chronic pain: Supplement 2007.
