Cancer pain is generally classified in distinctive categories: mild to moderate, severe and nerve-related. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center defines the causes as pain from the tumor, treatment-specific and post-operative. Depending on the type and extent of the pain, there are numerous options to help manage symptoms.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs-NSAIDs
For mild to moderate forms of cancer pain, you may opt for a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory type of pain reliever. These drugs, also referred to as simply NSAIDs, have few side effects and stomach upset while providing pain relief from swelling and inflammatory conditions. Cancer Pain.Org lists aspirin and ibuprofen as the most commonly sought after, as they are quite inexpensive, may be bought without a prescription, and are available over the counter at most stores.
Opioids
Opioids, or narcotic opiates, are used for more moderate to severe types of cancer pain. They require a closely monitored prescription under the care and supervision of a medical doctor and have a higher likelihood of side effects to include drowsiness and nausea. The University of New Mexico Cancer Center lists the most frequently used opioids for cancer pain as morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, methadone, levophanol and fentanyl. They are administered in pill or liquid forms.
Nerve Pain
Nerve pain is usually accompanied by reports of tingling or burning sensations. The best remedy for this type of pain is directed at the source--the brain. Both antidepressants and anticonvulsant drugs have been prescribed for this type of treatment with tremendous success. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lists these antidepressants: amitrityline, imipramine, doxepin and trazodone. An example of an anti-epileptic drug prescribed for nerve pain is gabapentin.
