Pain is an uncomfortable condition that can sometimes cause suboptimal functioning or disability in daily activities. While a person with acute pain usually heals in a few days or weeks, a person with chronic pain must deal with this condition for months, years or, in some cases, for the remainder of their life. People with pain often take drugs to relieve discomfort and enhance the quality of life.
Classes of Pain Drugs
Several classes of drugs for pain exist, according to the American Chronic Pain Association. Nonprescription drugs are usually taken for mild to moderate amounts of acute pain, or as a short-term remedy for mild to moderate chronic pain. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, are classes of nonprescription drugs commonly used to treat pain. Prescription drugs are usually taken for moderate to severe post- surgical and chronic pain. Opioids, acetaminophen in combination with opioids, nonsteroidal antiinflamatory drugs, and adjuvant analgesics, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants, are classes of prescription drugs commonly used to treat pain.
Nonprescription Pain Drugs
Acetaminophen changes the way the brain receives pain messages. Tylenol is a common brand name of over-the-counter products containing acetaminophen that are used to treat minor aches and pains throughout the head and body. Research conducted by J.E. Edwards and published in "Cochrane Database System Review" in 2000 found that aspirin is an effective analgesic for acute pain of moderate to severe intensity very similar to acetaminophen. Bayer is a popular brand of aspirin. Ibuprofen, the substance found in Motrin and Advil, is effective in treating migraine headaches, pain from injury, dental surgery, and body aches and pains. Research conducted by J.R. Codospoti and published in "Headache" in 2001 demonstrated that ibuprofen at doses of 200 mg and 400 mg is an effective nonprescription drug used to treat migraine headaches. Naproxen, a substance in Aleve, can temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to arthritis, headache, backache, toothache and menstrual cramps.
Prescription Pain Drugs
Opioids, such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl, block the brain's perception of pain, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Morphine treats severe pain after surgery, codeine treats mild pain, oxycodone treats moderate to severe chronic pain, and fentanyl treats persistent and severe chronic pain. Some prescription drug products, such as Percocet and Vicodin, combine acetaminophen and oxycodone, and acetaminophen and hydrocodone, respectively. Nonsteroidal antiinflamatory drugs, such as celecoxib, nabumetone and meloxicam, treat pain conditions associated with inflammation, such as arthritis, joint pain and muscle aches.
Drug Abuse
Pain medication has a risk for overdose, addiction and abuse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Abruptly discontinuing pain medication, such as opioids, can result in withdrawal symptoms that include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, and vomiting. Over-the-counter drugs can also be abused and produce dangerous health effects when taken with alcohol. The Food and Drug Administration warns that acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity and death.
Misconceptions
A common misconception is that taking pain medication can become addictive. When taken as directed, pain medications can manage pain effectively without addiction.
References
- American Chronic Pain Association: Consumer Guide to Pain Medication and Treatment
- "Cochrane Database System Review"; Single Dose Oral Aspirin for Acute Pain; Edwards, J.E.; 2000
- "Headache"; Efficacy of Nonprescription Doses of Ibuprofen Migraine Headache; Codispoti, J.R.; Jul-Aug 2001
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction
- Food and Drug Administration: Acetaminophen and Liver Injury: Q & A for Consumers
