The psychological response and individualized perception of pain differs in each individual, according to “Core Concepts in Pharmacology” by Norman Holland and Michael Adams. The chronic pain syndrome (CPS) diagnosis is a challenge to treat because the etiology is unclear and usually responds poorly to therapy, says Pain Care Centers, Inc. The goal of pain pills, also known as analgesic medication, is to relieve pain and suffering. Several types of pain medications are used for chronic pain, and other medications are used to treat the components of pain.
Non-Opioids
Non-opioids are effective in treating chronic pain and typically are the first medications used in the treatment of pain, according to Williams and Hopper. Non-opioid drugs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications can not be used long term because they have a ceiling effect, a point when a dosage can not increase to relieve pain without causing an increased risk of side effects. Non-opioid drugs include acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), naproxen, celecoxib (Celebrex), ketorolac tromethamine (Toradol), and fenoprofen calcium (Nalfon).
Opioids
An opioid is a synthetic or natural morphine-like product taken from the poppy plant that reduces pain. Opioids adhere to opioid receptors in the body and can prevent the pain from being transmitted to the brain, per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and that is why opioids work on pain, says Holland and Adams. Opioid drugs commonly used for pain include codeine (used with acetaminophen), hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone hydrochloride (Oxycontin), propoxyphene hydrochloride (Darvon), hydromorphone hydrochloride (Dilaudid), meperidine hydrochloride (Dolophine), and morphine sulfate.
Analgesic Adjuvants
Analgesic adjuvants were created for a use other than treating pain, but they have been found to be successful at relieving pain, according to Williams and Hopper. Analgesic adjuvants treat pain that does not subside with non-opioids and opioids by themselves. This drug class contains medications such as steroids and benzodiazepines (for anxiety and or muscle spasms). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, and doxepin, treat pain related to neuropathy and other nerve related conditions. Anticonvulsants, like phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol), treat peripheral nerve pain.
About this Author
Annie McElfresh is a nurse by trade and an avid writer by night. Her background includes 10 years of experience in pain management, operating room, home health, and medical office management. She has completed two full-length novels, contributes to two blogs, and is a member of several writing forums.
