Nonopioids, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)1, are used to treat mild to moderate pain. Some strengths of these medications are available over-the-counter (without a prescription) while other strengths require a prescription.
Opioids2 (also known as narcotics) can be used alone, or in combination with a nonopioid, to treat moderate to severe pain and require a prescription.
Sometimes antidepressants3 and anticonvulsants4 are used to treat a certain type of pain called nerve pain. Nerve pain may be described as a burning, tingling, shooting, stabbing or numb feeling. If you are taking an antidepressant, it does not necessarily mean that you are depressed or have a mental illness. Likewise, if you are taking an anticonvulsant, it does not mean that you have convulsions or seizures. These medications are unique in that they can be used to treat a number of different symptoms. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants require a prescription.
Steroids5 are used to decrease pain caused by swelling. Steroids require a prescription.
Local anesthetics6 control pain by causing a loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues. They can numb the skin and mucus membranes to help soothe localized pain from wounds or nerves.
1 Aspirin (Ascriptin®, Bayer®, Ecotrin®), celecoxib (Celebrex®), choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate®, Tricosal®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), nabumetone (Relafen®), naproxen (Aleve® Anaprox®, Naprelan®, Naprosyn®)
2 Fentanyl (Actiq®, Duragesic®, FentoraÔ), hydrocodone (Lorcet®, Lortab®, Norco®, Vicodin®), hydromorphone (Dilaudid®), methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®), morphine (Avinza®, Kadian®, MS Contin®, MSIR®, Oramorph®, Roxanol®), oxycodone (OxyContin®, OxyFast®, OxyIR®, Roxicodone®)
3 Amitriptyline (Elavil®), nortriptyline (Pamelor®), desipramine (Norpramin®)
4 Gabapentin (Neurontin®), carbamazepine (Carbatrol®,Tegretol®), valproic acid (Depakene®), divalproex sodium (Depakote®)
5 Dexamethasone (Decadron®), methylprednisolone (Medrol®), prednisolone (Orapred®, Pediapred®, Prelone®), prednisone (Deltasone®, Orasone®, Sterapred®, Sterapred DS®)
6 Lidocaine (Lidoderm®, Xylocaine®)
| This website is not intended as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. In the case of an emergency, please dial 911. |
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