The first true medical pain reliever marketed in the United States was the narcotic analgesic morphine. It caused so many problems with the "soldiers' disease," now called addiction, following the American Civil War that other types of painkillers were sought. One of the earliest forms of these drugs, first sold in 1899, was acetylsalicylic acid, more commonly known as aspirin. While it may not have been classified as such then, aspirin is an over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, that led to other OTC medications in this category.
Acetylsalicylic Acid
The history of acetylsalicylic acid began with herbal medications made from plants that contained salicylate. Along with its pain-relieving qualities, aspirin also may be used to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin may be combined with other medications, including codeine and carisoprodol, that are available only via prescription. Aspirin may induce such side effects as stomach upset, nausea and heartburn, but these are common, Drugs.com reports. Consult your doctor right away if any of the following severe side effects occur when using aspirin: black or bloody stools, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, unusual bruising, severe or persistent stomach pain, or tightness in the chest.
Naproxen Sodium
NSAIDs may be used to treat many forms of mild to moderate pain in their OTC form, but they particularly are intended for use by people suffering from such ailments as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This is why naproxen sodium, marketed as Aleve and other brand-name drugs, often is touted as treatment for arthritis pain. Naproxen sodium, too, is available in both prescription and OTC strengths. Serious common side effects of the drug include wheezing while breathing, pain in the stomach, shortness of breath or other breathing problems, and chest pain. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting a physician for these types of problems immediately.
Ibuprofen
Companies that sell their brands of ibuprofen with such names as Advil, Nuprin and Motrin, also tout their products for arthritis pain, while Midol is promoted to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. Ibuprofen, even in its OTC formulations, has more common serious side effects than most other NSAIDs. Some obviously are serious, such as breathing difficulties and abnormal bruising and bleeding, while others may appear less serious. Belching, skin itching, flatulence, diarrhea and pain in the abdomen all are categorized, too, as common serious side effects that require medical attention immediately, the Mayo Clinic reports.
