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Managing pain with the right medication can help you feel better and get back to your daily activities. Pain relief medicines include paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and weak opioids such as codeine and tramadol.
These medicines work in different ways and doctors choose them based on the type and level of pain. Some pain medicines are sold over the counter, while others require a prescription.
It’s important to know which options are available, what side effects might pop up, and how to use these medicines safely.
Pain relief medicines treat different types of pain. They use various methods and ingredients.
Medicines range from common over-the-counter tablets to prescription drugs for severe or long-term pain.
NSAIDs are widely used for pain and inflammation. Common examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, diclofenac, meloxicam, and celecoxib.
Some, like ibuprofen and aspirin, are available over the counter. Others, such as celecoxib and meloxicam (a coxib), need a prescription.
NSAIDs block prostaglandins, which cause pain and swelling. People often use them for osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout, headache, period pain, or back pain.
They work well for short-term pain relief. But side effects can include stomach irritation, ulcers, bleeding, and kidney problems.
If you have stomach disorders or certain heart problems, be careful with NSAIDs. Long-term use really needs a doctor watching over things.
Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen; sold as Panadol and Tylenol) is a common painkiller. You can get it without a prescription.
It’s used for mild-to-moderate pain like headaches, toothaches, and muscle aches, and it lowers fever. Paracetamol doesn’t reduce swelling or inflammation the way NSAIDs do.
Doctors often suggest paracetamol for people who can’t take anti-inflammatories because of stomach or kidney problems. You can take it with or without food.
If you take too much paracetamol, it can seriously damage your liver. Stick to the recommended dose, especially for kids.
Paracetamol is sometimes mixed with other medicines like codeine in products such as co-codamol for extra pain relief.
Tramadol is a prescription-only painkiller for moderate-to-severe pain when other medicines aren’t enough. It acts on the nervous system, changing how your brain senses pain and affecting certain brain chemicals.
Doctors might prescribe tramadol for chronic pain, back pain, and nerve pain. It’s often a second choice if paracetamol or NSAIDs don’t help.
Tramadol has a lower risk of dependency than stronger opioids. Side effects can include dizziness, nausea, constipation, and sleepiness.
Like all opioids, tramadol can cause addiction if you use it for a long time or take high doses. Always follow the prescription exactly.
Opioids and opiates are strong painkillers, mainly used for severe pain after surgery, cancer pain, or injury. Drugs in this group include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), fentanyl, oxymorphone, and methadone.
Codeine and tramadol are “weak” opioids and show up in combination drugs like co-codamol. The stronger ones are only used under strict medical care.
Opioids come as tablets, patches, or injections. Risks include drowsiness, constipation, sickness, breathing problems, and a high risk of addiction.
An overdose can be life-threatening. People using opioids need regular check-ups and should avoid alcohol.
Adjuvant medications aren’t usually made for pain but can help with certain types, especially nerve pain. This group includes some antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
Doctors usually prescribe these for long-term pain. They can take several weeks to work.
Side effects depend on the medicine, but drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness are common.
Topical pain relievers work right where you feel pain. Creams, gels, and patches often contain NSAIDs or other agents.
For example, capsaicin cream is used for joint or nerve pain. Topical NSAIDs (like diclofenac gel) help with local pain from muscle strains, arthritis, or gout.
They usually cause fewer side effects than tablets, but can still irritate your skin. Other options include TENS units (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), which use mild electrical pulses for pain relief.
Some people try supplements or steroids for certain pain types, but the evidence and safety really vary. It’s best to ask a doctor before starting anything new.
Pain relief medicines can help manage symptoms, but they also bring risks. It’s crucial to know how these medicines might react with other treatments and to follow your doctor’s advice.
Common side effects of pain relief medicines include constipation, drowsiness, and nausea. Opioids, in particular, can cause dependency or addiction if you use them for a long time.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen may lead to stomach ulcers, weight gain, or bleeding. Allergic reactions sometimes cause rashes or swelling.
Pain medicines may increase the risk of serious problems, such as heart attacks or strokes in some people. If you have asthma or other health conditions, you might not be able to take some painkillers safely.
If you’re pregnant or have ongoing health issues, talk to your doctor before starting a new medicine. Prescription medicines can cost more, but some are covered by a prescription prepayment certificate in the UK.
Pain relief medicines can interact with other prescription medications or over-the-counter treatments. Mixing painkillers with medicines like antidepressants, blood thinners, or certain antibiotics may change how the drugs work or increase the risk of side effects.
Always check with a healthcare professional before starting new treatments. Long-term or incorrect use of pain medicines increases the risk of addiction, especially with opioids.
Children, older adults, and pregnant women may need different doses or extra monitoring. People with heart, liver, or kidney diseases also need special care.
Follow your healthcare provider’s directions. Don’t share prescription pain medicine with anyone else.
If you notice unusual symptoms, like trouble breathing or a severe rash, get medical help right away.
Pain relief medication options differ by strength, side effects, and how they help with various types of pain. Some tablets are better for specific conditions, while others are broader but carry more risks.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen work well for mild to moderate pain.
For stronger pain, doctors may prescribe codeine, tramadol, or morphine.
The best choice depends on the type and cause of the pain.
Morphine and similar opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl are among the strongest painkillers.
Doctors usually reserve these for severe pain, like after surgery, cancer, or major injuries.
Because of their strength and serious side effects, doctors only use them under strict supervision.
Paracetamol is commonly used for headaches, muscle aches, and minor pain.
NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, help with pain linked to inflammation, such as arthritis or sprains.
Opioids are used when other medicines aren’t enough or for very strong pain.
Paracetamol is one of the safest and usually doesn’t cause stomach or bleeding problems.
Topical pain relievers, like creams and gels, can help with local pain and usually cause fewer side effects than tablets.
Low doses and short courses of NSAIDs may also lower the risk of side effects.
Paracetamol is often recommended for general body pain since it’s gentle on the stomach.
Ibuprofen or another NSAID may help if there’s swelling or inflammation.
If over-the-counter medicines don’t work, a GP might suggest something stronger after checking things out.
For mild leg pain, you can try paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If the pain comes from a muscle strain or joint inflammation, resting and using ice along with NSAIDs might help.
When simple options aren’t enough for chronic leg pain, doctors might prescribe other medicines or suggest seeing a pain specialist.
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Codeine is a medication people often use for mild to moderate pain, and sometimes to control coughs or diarrhoea. It belongs to the opioid family and changes how the brain and nervous system sense pain. Doctors sometimes turn to codeine when paracetamol or ibuprofen just doesn’t cut it. Still, it comes with side effects and the…
Tramadol is a prescription medicine for moderate to moderately severe pain. It’s an opioid analgesic that acts on the nervous system, making it a common choice when over-the-counter painkillers just don’t cut it. Doctors often prescribe tramadol after surgery or for ongoing pain that interferes with daily life. While tramadol can bring real relief, it’s important…