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Medicine for Pain
Medicines can help to block pain, decrease inflammation, and treat related problems. More than one medicine may be used to treat your pain. Medicines may be changed as you feel better, or if they cause side effects.
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Medicines
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Examples
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What they do
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Possible side effects
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Non-opioid NSAIDs
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aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen
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Reduce pain chemicals at the site of pain. NSAIDs can reduce joint and soft tissue inflammation.
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Nausea, stomach pain and irritation, ulcers, indigestion, bleeding, kidney, and liver problems. Certain NSAIDs may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke in some people. Smoking and alcohol can make the risk worse. Talk with your health care provider.
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Opioids
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morphine and similar medicines, often called narcotics
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Reduce feelings or perception of pain. Used for moderate to severe pain.
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Nausea, vomiting, itching, drowsiness or sleepiness, constipation, slowed breathing
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Other medicines
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corticosteroids, antinausea, antidepressants, antiseizure medicines
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Reduce swelling, burning or tingling pain, or certain side effects of pain medicines, such as nausea or vomiting
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Your health care provider will explain the possible side effects of these medicines.
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Anesthetics (local, injected)
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lidocaine, benzocaine, and medicines used by anesthesiologists
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Stop pain signals from reaching the brain by blocking feeling in the treated area
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Nausea, low blood pressure, fever, slowed breathing, dizziness, weakness, fainting, seizures, heart attack
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When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away (or have a family member call) if you have:
Call 911 if you have extreme sleepiness or breathing problems.
Other precautions
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Ask your health care provider or pharmacist how to get rid of your pain medicines safely when you stop using them.
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Never share your pain medicines with anyone.
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Store your medicines in a safe place so they can’t be stolen. If you think your medicine has been stolen or lost, tell your provider right away.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jennifer Ciccone NP
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sravani Chintapalli Researcher
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.