Pain-relieving medications are meant to improve your quality of life whether you are dealing with a short-term ailment or a chronic pain disease. When taken legally and as your doctor prescribed, they can be safe drugs to use. However, when when taken illegally or in ways your doctor did not intend, they can be quite dangerous.
Opioids
These pain relievers are chemicals that bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Common medications in this category include morphine, fentanyl, codeine, oxymorphone and hydroxymorphone. They relieve pain by binding the mu receptor which results in analgesia and sedation. This mechanism of action is directly related to its clinical use. Because of the location of opioid receptors, side effects include sleepiness, constipation, itching, nausea and respiratory depression or arrest. Do not use with alcohol, benzodiazepenes or barbiturates. These drugs can be addictive, so use extreme caution when taking these medications.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDs)
There are many varieties of NSAIDs that are available over-the-counter (OTC) or in prescription form or strength. Widely available OTC NSAIDs include naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen. Common prescription NSAIDs include indomethacin, diclofenac, meloxicam and stronger versions of OTCs. These medications relieve pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, which is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are signaling molecules responsible for inflammation. Therefore, NSAIDs are used clinically to cause analgesia and reduce inflammation. However, prostaglandins are also responsible for stomach and kidney health, but because they are diminished, upset stomach, ulcers, and decline in kidney function are common side effects. Do not use during pregnancy because NSAIDs prematurely close the fetal vascular system. Do not give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye's syndrome.
Acetaminophen
Although this medication can be purchased over the counter, it is also a commonly prescribed pain reliever. Acetaminophen is also in the NSAID class of drugs; however, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation. It is effective in causing analgesia and reducing fever. This medication is also metabolized in the liver, rather than the kidneys as other NSAIDs are. Therefore, the major side effect is liver damage with overdose or extended use.
