People seeking relief from pain led to the creation of medicine. Before morphine was named by Friedrich Serturner, a German pharmacist, in 1803, the only means of killing pain was typically with alcohol. Morphine came to prominence during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and led to what was termed the "soldier's disease," or morphine addiction. Morphine treatment led to the creation of other pain killers following the war.
Narcotics
Morphine, which is derived from the opium poppy, belongs to a class of drugs called opioids, or narcotic analgesics. Straight narcotic analgesics, such as morphine and codeine, as well as medications that contain them along with other drugs, might be prescribed. As straight narcotics, they are sold under the brand names of Darvon, Opana, Demerol, Kadian and Ultram, among others. As combination drugs, acetaminophen often is combined with narcotic analgesics into a single medication. These include brand names such as Lorcet, Darvocet, Lortab, Vicodin and Percocet, among others. The most serious side effect of long-term use of these types of medications is drug addiction. Other side effects from narcotic analgesics include nervousness, confusion, convulsions, bradycardia or slow heartbeat, mood changes and irregular breathing, among others. Other side effects from combination medications include severe confusion, seizures, breathing difficulties, hypotension or low blood pressure, severe drowsiness, diarrhea, severe weakness and hallucinations.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are sold as over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription-strength drugs. Examples of OTC NSAIDs include naproxen sodium, (Aleve) and ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin). In stronger doses, however, they must be prescribed by a doctor. Newer NSAIDs such as celecoxib (Celebrex), are prescription drugs.
NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation. These types of medications, particularly Celebrex, are prescribed to provide relief conditions such as arthritis. Side effects can include abnormal growth in the breast, cramps, confusion, bleeding that is heavy, high blood pressure, pain in the chest, vision blurring, decreased appetite, nausea and unconsciousness, among others.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids such as prednisone also might be prescribed to relieve pain that is caused by inflammation. They are not to be used for long periods of time due to the risk of side effects. A course of prednisone usually spans a few days, much like an antibiotic. Corticosteroids can cause hallucinations, depression, confusion, excitement and mood swings. They also can cause blurry or decreased vision. Pain in the eyes might be associated with corticosteroid use.
