Chronic pain relievers - some facts.. from Doctor's diary
Easing Chronic Pain With Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Even mild chronic pain -- whether from arthritis, migraines, or another condition -- can be debilitating. So it makes sense to take a pain reliever to make the hurt go away. But when you walk down the aisle of your local drug store, there are many pain pills to choose from. How do you know which pain pill to choose? And just what is the difference between aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen?
Aspirin and ibuprofen belong to a large class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly called NSAIDs. NSAIDs and acetaminophen can block pain and reduce fever. Together, they make up the most widely used group of drugs for treating pain conditions. Here's information you can use in working with your doctor to find out if these pain pills are right for you.
How Do Anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, Differ From Acetaminophen?
The primary difference between NSAIDs and acetaminophen (Actamin, Pandadol, Tylenol) lies in the way each relieves pain. Acetaminophen works primarily in the brain to block pain messages and seems to influence the parts of the brain that help reduce fever. That means it can help relieve headaches and minor pains. But it's not as effective against pain associated with inflammation.
Inflammation is a common feature of many chronic conditions as well as injuries. NSAIDs reduce the level of certain chemicals called prostaglandins that are involved in inflammation. Treatment with NSAIDs can lead to less swelling and less pain.
What Are Some Examples of NSAIDs?
You are probably already familiar with several types of NSAIDs. For instance aspirin is a widely used pain pill and at one time, aspirin was the only NSAID available without a
prescription. Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, began as prescription drugs. Now they are sold, usually at a lower dose, as over-the-counter pain pills.
Other examples of NSAIDs include:
• diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren)
• etodolac (Lodine)
• fenoprofen (Nalfon)
• flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
• naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn)
• oxaprozin (Daypro)
Are There Side Effects and Special Cautions Associated With NSAIDs?
Specific side effects vary from drug to drug. For instance, some NSAIDs are harsher on
the stomach than others. But there are certain side effects that are common to NSAIDs as a class. Serious side effects include:
• bleeding problems
• damage to the stomach and small intestine lining that can lead to ulcers
• kidney disease
• elevated blood pressure
• muscle cramps
• hearing problems
Other side effects include:
• dizziness or headache
• nausea
• excess gas
• diarrhea or constipation
• extreme tiredness or weakness
• dry mouth
So Should I Take an NSAID to Manage My Chronic Pain?
Anti-inflammatory drugs have a long history of success. Many people are able to manage their chronic pain quite well using NSAIDs as part of their management plan. For most, side effects, if any, are minor. But all medications have associated risks. All medications also have benefits. Deciding to take an NSAID or any medication involves weighing the risk against the benefit. more
Even mild chronic pain -- whether from arthritis, migraines, or another condition -- can be debilitating. So it makes sense to take a pain reliever to make the hurt go away. But when you walk down the aisle of your local drug store, there are many pain pills to choose from. How do you know which pain pill to choose? And just what is the difference between aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen?
Aspirin and ibuprofen belong to a large class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly called NSAIDs. NSAIDs and acetaminophen can block pain and reduce fever. Together, they make up the most widely used group of drugs for treating pain conditions. Here's information you can use in working with your doctor to find out if these pain pills are right for you.
How Do Anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, Differ From Acetaminophen?
The primary difference between NSAIDs and acetaminophen (Actamin, Pandadol, Tylenol) lies in the way each relieves pain. Acetaminophen works primarily in the brain to block pain messages and seems to influence the parts of the brain that help reduce fever. That means it can help relieve headaches and minor pains. But it's not as effective against pain associated with inflammation.
Inflammation is a common feature of many chronic conditions as well as injuries. NSAIDs reduce the level of certain chemicals called prostaglandins that are involved in inflammation. Treatment with NSAIDs can lead to less swelling and less pain.
What Are Some Examples of NSAIDs?
You are probably already familiar with several types of NSAIDs. For instance aspirin is a widely used pain pill and at one time, aspirin was the only NSAID available without a
prescription. Other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, began as prescription drugs. Now they are sold, usually at a lower dose, as over-the-counter pain pills.
Other examples of NSAIDs include:
• diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren)
• etodolac (Lodine)
• fenoprofen (Nalfon)
• flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
• naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn)
• oxaprozin (Daypro)
Are There Side Effects and Special Cautions Associated With NSAIDs?
Specific side effects vary from drug to drug. For instance, some NSAIDs are harsher on
the stomach than others. But there are certain side effects that are common to NSAIDs as a class. Serious side effects include:
• bleeding problems
• damage to the stomach and small intestine lining that can lead to ulcers
• kidney disease
• elevated blood pressure
• muscle cramps
• hearing problems
Other side effects include:
• dizziness or headache
• nausea
• excess gas
• diarrhea or constipation
• extreme tiredness or weakness
• dry mouth
So Should I Take an NSAID to Manage My Chronic Pain?
Anti-inflammatory drugs have a long history of success. Many people are able to manage their chronic pain quite well using NSAIDs as part of their management plan. For most, side effects, if any, are minor. But all medications have associated risks. All medications also have benefits. Deciding to take an NSAID or any medication involves weighing the risk against the benefit. more
Viewed by 111
Very right Dr Yogender, this was also my intention of publishing this article which describes all the side effects of NSAID's available over the counter in India. In foreign countries, most of these NSAID's are not available without prescription. The irony is that in India all medicines including antibiotics are available from the pharmacies without any prescription and even the educated people use this practice of self medication. more
Dec 19
As a Doctor I fully endorse the view that no medication should be taken without a medical prescription- more so if it has to be taken for a prolong period. more
Dec 19
Mr Gupta has raised a very important issue of pain killers (NSAIDs). Although, these group of drugs are commonly used for relieving pain of different types, especially related to bones and joints.Their prolonged and unsupervised use can be very dangerous, as they cause gastric ulcers (& bleeding), irreversible kidney damage (required renal transplant), increased risk of heart and brain attacks. Hence, before taking painkillers discuss thoroughly with your doctor and think twice before gulping a painkiller from next time!!! more
Dec 18
