HEALTH TOPICS

HEALTH SHOP

MOL.net

PRESS ROOM

Home > Health Topics > Topics beginning with A > Analgesic - Pain Medications

Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Healthy Choice News

Site Map Links

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Analgesic - Pain Medications

Analgesic

Analgesic

A pain medicine lessens the amount, duration, or sensation of pain.

What is the information for this topic?

Over-the-counter pain medicine

Many pain medicines are available over the counter, without a prescription. Common over-the-counter pain medicines include:

acetaminophen

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are all NSAIDs.

Prescription pain medicine

Prescription pain medicines are available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider. Examples include:

anticonvulsants, which can relieve chronic nerve pain. Examples include phenytoin and carbamazepine.

antidepressants, which may relieve certain kinds of chronic pain. Common antidepressants include amitriptyline, trazodone, and imipramine.

capsaicin, a cream that can relieve skin pain caused by shingles, nerve problems, and other causes

corticosteroids, which can relieve pain from inflammation

narcotics, which are the most effective for moderate to severe pain. Common narcotics include morphine, codeine, meperidine, and oxycodone.

sumatriptan and naratriptan, which can relieve the pain of a migraine headache

tramadol, which is used mainly for chronic pain

Side effects

All medicines have potential side effects, including allergic reactions. Other common side effects of pain medicines include:

diabetes and osteoporosis with long-term use of corticosteroids

dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea with tramadol

drowsiness and confusion with anticonvulsants

drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and potential addiction with narcotics

dry mouth, drowsiness, and constipation with antidepressants

increased blood sugar and increased risk of infection with corticosteroid use

liver damage with high doses of acetaminophen, especially when it's used for long periods of time

rarely, increased blood pressure with sumatriptan and naratriptan

stomach upset, diarrhea, and rarely bleeding and kidney problems with NSAIDs

Some people have severe pain that won't respond to over-the-counter pain medicines. These people should talk to their healthcare provider. Pain can be a sign of a serious problem. If it is not, a healthcare provider can prescribe stronger medicine or suggest a specialist who can help control chronic pain.

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement