Pain Killer Drug Profiles

What are they? These prescription and nonprescription drugs relieve swelling, stiffness and joint pain by halting the production and release of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that lead to swelling and help transmit pain to the brain. They work best to ease symptoms of both types of arthritis, headaches, muscle aches, and dental pain. Active Ingredients (Common […]

What are they? These drugs halt the production and release of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that lead to swelling and help transmit pain to the brain. They work best for mild to moderate pain accompanied by swelling. Active Ingredients (Common Brands) – Prescription Indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), sulindac (Clinoril), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), and others Active Ingredients (Common […]

What are they? Corticosteroids are prescription medicines that provide relief of inflammation. They provide pain relief by reducing swelling, itching, redness, and allergic reactions. They work best for arthritis, cancer pain, and surgical pain, especially when there is inflammation. Active Ingredients (Common Brands) Betamethasone (Celestone), cortisone (Cortone Acetate), dexamethasone (Decadron), prednisolone (Predalone 50), and prednisone […]

What is it? Available over the counter, acetaminophen alleviates pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that lead to swelling and help transmit pain signals to the brain. It’s best for minor aches and pains, pain with bruising, and muscle pain. Active Ingredient (Common Brand) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Common Side Effects None Safe Use […]

What are they? Prescribed to relieve depression, these drugs can also alleviate pain, probably by affecting the part of the brain that controls messages between nerve cells. They’re most often used for postherpetic pain, diabetic neuralgia, and other conditions resulting in nerve damage. Active Ingredients (Common Brands) Amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), and doxepin (Sinequan) Common […]

What are they? Anticonvulsants are medications prescribed to control seizures. They can be helpful for nerve pain, especially burning, stabbing pains due to diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Active Ingredients (Common Brands) Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and gabapentin (Neurontin) Common Side Effects Clumsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, or irregular, pounding, or unusually slow heartbeat and chest […]

What is it? This medication is prescribed to relieve severe pain, particularly after surgery. It works on the brain to decrease pain, and it’s best used for moderate to severe pain. Active Ingredient (Common brand) Tramadol (Ultram) Common Side Effects Abdominal or stomach pain, anxiety, confusion, nervousness, dizziness, sleep trouble, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, excessive […]

What Are They? These nonprescription pain relievers have more than one ingredient. Caffeine is added to enhance the absorption of the aspirin or acetaminophen, so it gets to your brain – and stops pain – faster. They work best for arthritis when using aspirin or for tension headaches when using acetaminophen. Active Ingredients (Common Brands) […]

What Are They? Potent drugs that suppress activity in the central nervous system and relieve pain. These drugs are available by prescription only. They are usually reserved for moderate and severe pain, especially bone and muscle pain, cancer pain, pain during surgery, or times when other medications haven’t been able to relieve unrelenting pain. Active […]

What Are They? These drugs are given by injection to cause loss of sensation. They are used by a medical professional, usually before and during surgery. Active Ingredients (Common Brands) Lidocaine (Dilocaine) and prilocaine (Citanest) Common Side Effects Skin rash, hives, itching, and allergic reactions Safe Use these drugs are typically used during dental surgery. […]