What is pain medications?

Pain can keep you from doing the things you want to do. Medicine may help you feel better. There are many kinds of pain medicine. One type you can buy over the counter is acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Other medicines help both pain and swelling. These are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). All of these drugs can cause side effects. Take them just as the package label tells you to. The most common side effects are stomach upset and heartburn. If the medicine upsets your stomach, you can try taking it with food.

If you take NSAIDs often, you could get stomach ulcers or kidney problems. This can also happen if you take them for a long time. NSAIDs rarely cause a bad allergic reaction.

Many pain medicines need to be prescribed by a doctor. Some of these drugs include NSAIDS that aren't over the counter, like celecoxib (Celebrex). Other stronger pain medicines are called opioids.

Examples of opioids are fentanyl, hydrocodone, and morphine. Taking opioids can lead to opioid use disorder. Moderate to severe opioid use disorder is sometimes called addiction. Opioids are safest when under a doctor's care and for a short period of time.

Medicines for cancer pain are usually taken by mouth. But medicine can be given in other ways if you have trouble swallowing or need faster pain relief.

Pain medicine may be given:

• By mouth as pills, capsules, or liquids.
• As a shot (injection) under the skin, into a muscle, or into or near the spine.
• Through a skin patch.
• As a nasal spray.
• As a rectal suppository.
• With a needle into a vein (I.V.).

Activity

• Don't do anything for 24 hours that requires attention to detail, such as going to work, making important decisions, or signing any legal documents. Strong pain medicines like opioids can make your mind foggy. It takes time for the effects to wear off completely.
• Don't drive a car until you are sure the effects from the medicine are gone.

Medicines

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet, unless your doctor gives you other instructions. If your stomach is upset, try clear liquids and bland, low-fat foods like plain toast or rice.
• If your strong pain medicine makes you feel constipated, talk to your doctor about a laxative. If a laxative doesn't work, your doctor may suggest a prescription medicine.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
• Don't drink alcohol for 24 hours after taking opioids.