Prescription Drugs: Medications for Pain

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Medications for pain vary widely and are available in both prescription and non prescription forms. Some of these prescription drugs can cause side effects and therefore should be taken exactly as they are prescribed. Many are not aware that some prescription medicines may take several weeks before they start to work. If you are asking your doctor about medications for pain, be sure to let him or her know about any other medicines you are taking.

Doctors usually start patients off at a lower dose of pain medications for safety reasons. Older adults usually suffer from more side effects and are usually given an even lower dose. Below are different prescription drugs and medications for pain:

• Oral Analgesics

Aspirin and Ibuprofen are typical over-the-counter drugs used for mild to moderate pain and to reduce inflammation. You can find these in both prescription and non prescription forms.

• Antidepressants

Some antidepressants are effective at reducing pain. There are a few drugs in particular that address pain, such as amitriptyline (for chronic symptoms). Cymbalta is also another antidepressant used to treat pain for peripheral neuropathy.

• Oral opiates

Many pain medications fall under this category, such as popular prescription drugs Percocet, Vicodin, and Darvocet. Oxycontin is a long lasting narcotic opiate used to treat mild to severe chronic pain. Tramadol is another opiate type pain reliever, as it acts on certain centers of the brain to give you pain relief. Tylenol with codeine is another medication used to treat mild to severe pain. Codeine is a narcotic drug that acts on certain centers of the brain to reduce pain.

• Corticosteroids

In general, corticosteroids are powerful and fast-acting anti-inflammatory drugs. Prednisone is a part of the corticosteroids family and helps prevent the release of substances in the body that cause painful inflammation. Hydrocortisone is another popular corticosteroid used to treat pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

• Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants are known to ease pain that starts in the nerves (neuropathic pain). These drugs are usually used to make seizures less severe, but may be effective in pain relief. 

• Topical Analgesics

Topical analgesics can be useful for a number of purposes, such as relieving pain for those with mild arthritis that affects few joints. Biofreeze fits in this category, and works to reduce blood flow to the area in order to reduce the nerve's ability to conduct pain stimuli. Mobisyl is another topical analgesic that is used to relieve pain from osteoarthritis and muscle sprains. This topical solution contains the ingredient trolamine salicylate.

These are just a few types of medications for pain to consider. Depending on the severity of pain, one can choose between both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Most importantly of all, remember that each person responds to medications differently. Consult your doctor if you are suffering from chronic or severe pain. Your doctor can determine the best medications for pain and course of treatment for your condition.