Best Pain Medication

Prescription Pain Medication Vs. Over The Counter

Choosing the best pain medication for your injury, disease or disorder is something that's best determined by your doctor. Depending on your level and intensity of pain, he or she may recommend a prescription pain medication or one you can get over the counter. 

The goal of this article is not to promote one type of pain medication over another. It's simply to give you a basic understanding of some of the best types of pain medication that are available to you.

The American Pain Foundation reports that on any given day, about 50 million Americans are dealing with discomfort from chronic pain. About half that number have some form of temporary acute pain from an injury or a surgical procedure.

Over-the-counter pain medication

Acetaminophen Popular brand names of over the counter pain medication include Tylenol, Aspirin Free Excedrin. Acetaminophen not only helps relieve pain caused by muscular pain and stiffness, but it can also bring down a fever. Acetaminophen is active in the parts of the brain that receive "pain messages."

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs These are often abbreviated to NSAIDs. Popular brand names include Motrin, Aleve and Orudis KT. NSAIDs reduce inflammation, which is one of the most common causes of pain. NSAIDs reduce the production of hormone-like substances that cause pain.

NSAIDs also come in a stronger form which must be prescribed.

Topical corticosteroids Also known as Cortaid and Cortizone, include Aspercreme, Ben-Gay, Icy Hot and Capzasin-P.

These are good mainly for sore muscles and arthritis pain. They typically come in the form of creams, lotions, or sprays that are placed directly the skin where the pain is located.

Prescription pain medication

The best pain medication for severe pain requires a prescription.

Corticosteroids In prescription strength, these are usually given in the form of pills or injections. They relieve pain caused by inflammation. Corticosteroids are used for swelling, redness, and allergic reactions. They have also been used allergies, asthma and arthritis.

Prescription corticosteroids are capable of producing strong side effects, including headaches, upset stomach, sleeping problems and mood changes.

Opioids Opioids are narcotics that can relieve acute short term pain from an injury or surgery. They don't cause bleeding as some other pain relievers do.

Some people worry about becoming addicted to opioids, and it can happen (for example, radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh was addicted to opioids). But addiction is rare when opioids used properly.

Common names include morphine, codeine, fentanyl, and oxycodone.

Opioids also have side effects that include constipation, drowsiness, itching and nausea.

Antidepressants Most people generally think of anti-depressants as medications that help relieve anxiety. They can also be used to relieve pain because they adjust levels of certain natural chemicals in the brain. Low dose antidepressants often relieve pain caused by headaches and a woman's menstrual cycle.

Side effects occur in some individuals: blurry vision, constipation, fatigue, headaches, nausea and others.

Anticonvulsants These are also called antiseizure medications because their major function is to treat seizure disorders. Some are effective at relieving pain as well. No one is exactly sure why they work, but it may be related to their effect on nerves that cause pain.

Name brands include Tegretol, Neurontin and Lyrica.

They're generally free of side effects but some individuals will experience drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue and nausea.

Once again, this article is not designed to be an exhaustive or all-inclusive investigation of pain relief medications. It is meant only to give you an overview of some of the best pain medication options for dealing with your pain causes.

If these pain medeications are not as effective as you'd hope, your doctor may refer you to a pain management specialist.