Common Chronic Pain Medications

For those living with chronic pain, medication is one of the most common and effective methods of treating chronic pain. There is no set medication protocol for chronic diseases like fibromyalgia, so your physician may prescribe a combinations of medicines and adjust the dosage as necessary. If you have chronic pain and your medication isn’t working, speak with your physician or get a referral to a pain specialist.

There are two broad categories of pain medications: analgesics and adjuvant, or supplemental, medications. The first ones, analgesics, are medications specifically for pain relief. Adjuvant medications are those medications which have uses other than pain relief, but research has shown they are often very useful either as supplements or alternatives to analgesics.

Opiods

Opiods are medication prescribed for treating moderate or severe pain, Several types of opiods include Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Dilaudid, and Methadone.

Long term use of opiods is controversial, and patients should be carefully monitored.
Not all opiods are appropriate for chronic pain, as they may cause unwanted side effects or do not absorb well if taken orally.

Combination opioid and non-opioid

These medications, like Tylenol #3 or #4, Vicodin, Percocet are prescription medications for moderate to severe pain.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil) and naproxen (such as Aleve). Most NSAIDs are not appropriate for long term use or in high doses as they can be toxic to the kidneys and stomach. Common side effects include gastrointestinal problems, so always take it with food or milk. Increased bruising or risk of bleeding in the stomach are potential adverse affects.

Acetaminophen

Tylenol is a common over the counter acetaminophen. While effective for mild pain, when used for a long time or in high doses, acetaminophen can be poisonous to the kidneys and liver, especially if you drink alcohol.

Adjuvant medications include:

• Anticonvulsants - Gabapentin (Neurontin), Tegretol, Baclofen - decrease neurological pain
• Antianxiety medications and Antidepressants (Elavil, Sinequan Pamelor, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil) are adjuvant analgesics.
• Muscle Relaxants (Robaxin, Soma, Norflex, Flexeril, Parafon Forte)

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