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pain relief for arthritis, joint and bone pain, and lasts longer than the previously mentioned medications. Just as Motrin, it carries a cardiovascular and GI risks.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS are as varied as the conditions they treat. There are different categories of medications that can be used to maintain control of ones pain.

PRESCRIPTION NSAIDS: (Toradol, Voltaren, Celebrex, Mobic) carry the same cardiovascular and GI risk. They provide relief of moderate to severe pain of rheumatoid or osteo-arthritis, back pain, or cancer pain. They are thought to block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation.

CORTICOSTEROIDS (prednisone, Solu-Medrol, or cortisone) may be used to provide relief from inflammation and swelling thereby decreasing pain. They too may have serious side effects, including weight gain, stomach irritation, mood changes, sleeplessness and weakening of the immune system.

OPIATES: These are the big guns of pain control. They include both natural and synthetic pain relievers; available in long acting and immediate release; oral, injectable, sub-lingual and even trans-dermal applications. Side effects of opiates are drowsiness, nausea, constipation, itching, breathing problems, and addiction. Some of the medications in this category are:
-Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet)
-Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Tylox, Lortab)
-Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet)
-Meperidine (Demerol)
-Codeine (Tylenol #3 and #4)
-Morphine
-Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
-Methadone (Dolophine)
-Fentanyl (Duragesic, and Sublimaze)
-Tramadol (Ultram)

BENZODIAZEPINES are a group of controlled medications which are variously used as anti-anxiety, anti-seizure and anti-insomnia medications. They are often helpful in treating chronic pain, particularly neuropathy and other nerve related pain. They assist in management of anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness which are often associated with chronic disease and pain.
-Alprazolam (Xanax)
-Diazepam (Valium)
-Lorazepam (Ativan)
-Clonazapam (Klonopin)
-Temazapam (Restoril)

ANTIDEPRESSANTS can also be helpful in the treatment of pain by adjusting levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These medications can increase the body's signals for well-being and relaxation, which allows effective treatment of chronic pain with smaller doses of tradition pain medications and fewer long term side effects. These medications must build up in the body over a period of time for peak effectiveness. This category includes:
-Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Celexa,

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