People worldwide spend millions of dollars each year seeking a medication that will relieve symptoms of pain. There are many over the counter pain relief medications available that can be purchased just about everywhere, including pharmacy’s, department stores and even small convenience stores. One of the most used pain relief medications purchased by consumers is Ibuprofen. This pain relief medication comes in many brand names and also in generic store brands. Ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory drug that is also known as an NSAID. It does not contain steroids, but works in a similar fashion as steroids by reducing inflammation in the body, thus treating pain.

Another very popular and widely used over the counter pain relief medication is Acetaminophen. This is an analgesic that has a similar effect to aspirin but contains no aspirin products. It is used for pain relief and fever reduction by many individuals. Because it contains no aspirin it is safer to give to children, although caution must be used when taking Acetaminophen. Overuse of this product as with almost all pain relief medications can cause serious side effects including liver problems. It is important to read and follow the instructions when taking Acetaminophen to avoid any complications.

One of the oldest pain relief medications used is aspirin. Aspirin has been in existence since the late 1800’s. It is used to treat many different types of pain and is also used at times as a daily preventative for heart attacks in some individuals. Aspirin can relieve the pain of muscle aches, headaches, and bone pain that is caused from arthritis. It is also used a fever reducer in adults. Children should not be given aspirin as a pain medication or fever reducer due to the increase in chances of developing Reyes Syndrome. Aspirin is one of the least expensive pain relief medications on the market. Aspirin is basically an ingredient known as salicylic acid which originated from the bark of willow trees.

Prescription pain relief medications are stronger then the types that can be purchased over the counter. One of the most widely used prescription pain medications used is a form of the medication called Darvon or Darvocet. This pain relief medication is normally a combination of a chemical called propoxyphene, which is an opiate, and Acetaminophen. It is commonly used for pain relief after dental work, surgery, or as a pain relief for more severe types of arthritis or headaches. It works by causing the receptors in the brain to temporarily stop sending pain signals. This type of pain relief medication should only be taken on a temporary basis because it can cause a physical addiction. Overuse of this pain relief medication causes the body to need more of it over time. If taken for long periods of time there may be withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

The fifth most common prescription pain medication is called Morphine and should only be used for the most severe types of pain. Morphine is a high dose opiate that is highly addictive. It too can cause liver damage if overused or misused.

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