The need for pain relief varies from over-the-counter medications for a mild headache to heavy-duty prescription narcotic drugs for severe injuries, surgeries or chronic conditions. Your type and location of pain, level of pain tolerance and general physical condition determine the appropriate pain relief drug. Some pain medications have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, constipation, rash and tremors.
Narcotic Pain Relief
Narcotic pain medications provide relief for moderate to severe pain. Discovery Health reports that narcotics block chemical sites in the brain and spinal cord that regulate pain sensation. Narcotics carry a list of potentially serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain and heart rhythm irregularities. Because narcotics are highly addictive, Cedars-Sinai recommends use for up to two weeks only. Narcotic drugs prescribed for severe pain include propoxyphene, oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Narcotics and Acetaminophen
The combination of narcotics with acetaminophen allows for a lower dosage of narcotic that provides pain control. While narcotics provide a high level of pain relief, the addictive potential is also high. Acetaminophen is not addictive and adds a level of pain relief when used in combination with narcotics. Narcotic and acetaminophen combinations include acetaminophen and codeine, hydrocodone and acetaminophen, oxycodone and acetaminophen and propoxyphene and acetaminophen.
Narcotics and Aspirin
Combining narcotics and aspirin offers pain control with a lower level of narcotic than using narcotics alone and provides an alternative to acetaminophen combinations. Narcotic and aspirin combinations include aspirin and codeine, hydrocodone and aspirin, oxycodone and aspirin, and propoxyphene with aspirin and caffeine.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain control are available over-the-counter and by prescription. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that NSAIDs work by reducing the level of prostaglandins to provide pain relief. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. Prescription NSAIDs include indomethacin, ketoprofen, nabumetone, piroxicam and tolmetin. Serious side effects of NSAIDs include difficulty breathing, blood in urine, jaundice and decreased hearing.
Topical Pain Relief
Topical pain relievers provide targeted relief for skin irritations, joint discomfort and muscle pain. The Mayo Clinic reports that topical creams include hot/cold applications, rubs containing salicylates and creams containing chili pepper seeds, or capsaicin. Prescription-strength gels include NSAIDs and patches include lidocaine for painful joint relief.
