by Joyce Good Henderson

Created on: January 30, 2009

Tips for dealing with Chronic Pain:

A variety of treatment methods are necessary for effective pain management because research has shown that several different mechanisms cause and aggravate chronic and acute pain. Medication is usually the first method most people turn to.

NSAIDs

Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are available in over-the-counter and prescription strengths. They work by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins which sensitize nerve endings, causing local heat, pain, swelling and redness. NSAIDs are helpful in the treatment of acute muscle and joint injuries, some headaches, tendonitis, menstrual cramps and chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. NSAIDs include: Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Toradol, Relafen, Celebrex and Vioxx.

Common side effects include stomach pain and heartburn, an increase in the tendency to bleed, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and allergic reactions such as wheezing and hives. Long term use may cause liver or kidney damage. Side effects may be minimized by taking the medication with food and avoiding the one-dose-a-day types of NSAIDs.

OPIOIDs

Opioids, which used to be called narotics, affect specific brain and spinal cord receptors to block pain signals. This category of drugs includes: Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone and Hydromorphone. Side effects include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation and respiratory depression. Opioids may be combined with Acetaminophen to add the anti-inflammatory effect of an NSAID.

Anti-Arrythmics

These medications reduce pain by inhibiting electrical impulses of the nerves. Examples are: Lidocaine and Mexiletine. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision and decreased ability to concentrate on tasks such as driving an automobile. Lidocaine, which can be delivered in a pain patch, is ideal for people who do not tolerate oral medications. The patch is worn for twelve hours per day.

Anti-Convulsants

These medications decrease abnormal pain impulses and are especially helpful in the treatment of neuropathies, or nerve pain. Examples include: Carbamezepine, Valproate and Neurontin. Side effects include: stomach upset, drowsiness and tremors in the hands.

Antidepressants

Drugs such as Elavil, Pamelor, Effexor, Celexa, Prozac and Zoloft work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that inhibit pain signals. Side effects include: drowsiness, stomach upset, dry mouth, and blurred

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