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Pain medications
Alternative Names:
Medications for pain; Drugs for pain; Analgesics Information:
Pain medications (analgesics) are not all the same. Each pain medication has its advantages and risks. Specific types of pain may respond better to one kind of medication than to another kind. Each person may have a slightly different response to a pain medication. Text Continues Below
Over-the-counter medications are good for many types of pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is good for relieving pain and fever. It is less irritating to the stomach than other over-the-counter pain medications and is safer for children. It can, however, be toxic to the liver if you take more than the recommended dose. Aspirin, naproxen (Alleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These reduce inflammation caused by injury, arthritis, or fever. NSAIDs also relieve pain associated with menstruation. Take these medications in regular dosing intervals as directed by the manufacturer until the pain is gone. However, DO NOT give aspirin to children. Reye's syndrome is associated with the use of aspirin to treat children with viral infections, such as chicken pox. This syndrome can cause brain and liver damage. If you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, you should consult your health care provider before using any over-the-counter NSAID. Prescription medications may be needed for other types of pain. There are specific uses and risks of prescription narcotic and non-narcotic medications. There are alternate methods to help reduce pain that may be helpful instead of, or in addition to, pain medications. These include heat for sore or overworked muscles, ice applied to recent injuries (such as a sprained ankle), massage, resting the affected part, and biofeedback or relaxation techniques.
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