Sciatica refers to a medical condition in which weakness, pain, tingling and numbness are felt in the leg. Sometimes, this pain can get worse at night, when standing or bending backwards. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that this results from a compression of the sciatic nerve, a nerve that begins in the back and runs down the legs. Fortunately, a few common drugs for sciatica exist to decrease these symptoms.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, typically sold as Advil, Motrin or Genpril, refers to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces the body's production of prostaglandins, substances necessary to decrease pain, fever and inflammation. The NIH indicates that ibuprofen's less serious effects include diarrhea, gas or bloating, ringing in the ears, nervousness and constipation. Some of ibuprofen's serious side effects include unexplained weight gain, a poor appetite, blurry vision, aggression and trouble breathing or swallowing. Phone a doctor if ibuprofen leads to these effects. Taking ibuprofen with such medications as ramipril, captopril, lithium and methotrexate may interact with ibuprofen and require a decrease in ibuprofen's dose. Ibuprofen is a tablet or liquid taken every six to eight hours as needed for pain.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, commonly sold as Tylenol, Acephen, Tactinal, Uniserts or Vitapap, is a medication that serves as a pain reliever and fever reducer, says Drugs.com. Acetaminophen's side effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, clay-colored stools, nausea, a poor appetite and stomach pain. Sometimes, acetaminophen leads to an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat, tongue or face. Phone a physician if acetaminophen leads to these effects. Having a history of liver disease or alcoholism may require a decrease in acetaminophen's dose. This medication is a tablet or rectal suppository taken daily or as needed.
Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine, commonly sold as Amrix, Fexmid or Flexeril, refers to a muscle relaxant that treats sciatica. Drugs.com says that cyclobenzaprine's less serious side effects include diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness and blurry vision. This medication's serious side effects include fainting, confusion, easy bleeding or bruising, and a headache. It is important to call a doctor when cyclobenzaprine leads to these effects. Suffering from glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or an overactive thyroid may require a decrease in cyclobenzaprine's dose. Cyclobenzaprine is a capsule taken daily or as prescribed.
