People may use over-the-counter pain medications without a prescription for the relief of mild to moderate pain. Doctors may prescribe stronger versions of these same drugs, or prescription-only narcotics, for the relief of more serious pain. For long-term use of either OTC or prescription pain management medications, a doctor may need to monitor use to help avoid future health problems. There are many common medications that effectively treat pain.
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Although newer OTC pain management medicines have supplanted acetylsalicylic acid in some respects, many people use the drug for minor pain relief. The word "aspirin" originally was a brand-name; it now has become the common generic name for the medicine. Aspirin classifies as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. People use it for minor pain such as headaches, low-level arthritis symptoms and fever reduction. Like all NSAIDs, aspirin functions by reducing inflammation, which decreases pain. Common side effects include nausea and heartburn. These effects do not classify as serious problems, Drugs.com says.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen also classifies as an NSAID medicine. It helps shrink inflamed tissues around joints and can be used for pain relief from injuries to soft tissue. Doctors often recommend NSAIDs such as ibuprofen for arthritis pain symptom relief because arthritis causes inflammation. Ibuprofen may induce many serious common side effects including pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, constipation, shortness of breath and others, MayoClinic.com reports.
Naproxen
Another NSAID, naproxen sodium, also may be prescribed or bought OTC for the relief of arthritis and other pain symptoms associated with inflammation. Serious common side effects include breathing problems such as wheezing, itchy skin, headaches and chest pain.
Acetaminophen
The OTC medication acetaminophen classifies as a non-narcotic analgesic that relieves pain by acting upon the central nervous system. It also helps reduce fevers. Few side effects of the drug exist, although an overdose can produce serious problems. Doctors may prescribe acetaminophen in combination medicines that also contain narcotic pain relievers.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone classifies as a common narcotic pain medication used for moderate to severe pain. The National Institutes of Health states that hydrocodone only may be prescribed in combination with other pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Physicians may prescribe it for pain relief after surgery or the pain produced by injuries. This medication is also used to treat pain in degenerative diseases such as arthritis. Because hydrocodone and other narcotics derived from opium may become addictive, doctors typically limit its use. The most common non-serious side effects of the medicine include constipation, nausea and drowsiness.
