Approximately one-third of adults living in the United States experience chronic pain, with over half reporting severe pain of greater than seven on a scale of one to 10, according to research by C.B. Johannes that was published in the "Journal of Pain" in 2010. Prescription pain medicines treat chronic and severe pain. According to CVS Pharmacy, opioids, acetaminophen in combination with opioids, and nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs are common prescription pain medications available in pill form.
OxyContin
OxyContin is a brand-name opioid prescription pain medicine that contains oxycodone, a substance that has morphine-like properties, according to the American Chronic Pain Association. OxyContin is available in controlled release tablets that range from 10 mg to 160 mg, according to its product label. Higher doses of OxyContin are prescribed to patients who become tolerant to the drug. The controlled-release feature of the pill enables slower absorption of oxycodone and longer-lasting effects throughout the day. Moreover, controlled release tablets are effective for treating patients with moderate to severe pain. The product label for OxyContin warns users against crushing, breaking, cutting or chewing the pills, because doing so could cause a rapid absorption of the drug that could be fatal. Side effects from OxyContin, from the highest to the lowest percentage of patients reporting, include constipation, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth and sweating.
Percocet
Percocet is a brand-name prescription drug that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen and is indicated to treat moderate to moderately severe pain, according to its product label. Acetaminophen is a drug that treats pain, including migraines, back ache, muscle ache and osteoarthritis. Percocet is available in tablets in doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 10 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg to 650 mg of acetaminophen; it is usually prescribed to be taken every six hours. Percocet has several health risks. Opioids, such as oxycodone, can be misused and may cause a person to stop breathing. Oxycodone can also lower blood pressure. Acetaminophen can be toxic to the liver and cause liver damage. Side effects from Percocet include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, thirst and sweating.
Celebrex
Celebrex is a brand-name prescription nonsteroidal antiinflammatory pain medication that contains celecoxib and is used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory pain-related conditions, according to the product label. Celebrex is available in 50-mg, 100-mg, 200-mg and 400-mg capsules. The product label warns users about potential risk of serious cardiovascular events that may be fatal, such as heart attack, and gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. Common adverse reactions from Celebrex include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, swelling of the lower legs, dizziness and respiratory infection.
References
- "Journal of Pain"; The Prevalence of Chronic Pain in United States; Johannes, C.B.; August 25, 2010
- CVS Pharmacy: Ills & Conditions Prescription Pain Relievers
- American Chronic Pain Association: Consumer Guide to Pain Medication and Treatment
- Purdue Pharma: Oxycontin Prescribing Information
- Endo Pharmaceuticals: Percocet Prescribing Information
