Pain is defined as a somatic sensation of acute discomfort. As we all know, pain can be severe or mild. Various pain relievers can be prescribed, depending on the level of pain and the area in which the pain is located. There are several different types of pain relievers, and each treat a different level of discomfort. Pain relievers come in several categories, but most notable are over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription pain relievers.

Over-the counter or OTC pain relievers are great for many different types of acute to mild pain. They are also convenient because you can buy them from any supermarket or drug store. OTC pain relievers include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, and corticosteroids. Acetaminophen is a great drug for acute to mild pain such as headaches, muscle aches, and stiffness, and fever reduction. Common drugs including acetaminophen are Tylenol, Thera-flu, and store-brain pain relievers. NSAIDS are also great fever reducers, but they also reduce swelling and inflammation. Common NSAID drugs are aspirin, aleve, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Corticosteroids are topical creams or sprays that reduce arthritis pain and muscle pain. Some corticosteroids are Ben-Gay and Icy Hot.

Prescription pain relievers are a little harder to get. You have to make an appointment with a doctor and that doctor has to prescribe these medications to you. Prescription pain relievers are harder to get because they are more potent and sometimes are addicting. Prescription pain relievers include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, corticosteroids, and opioids. Anticonvulsants are anti-seizure medications. They are also great pain reliever medications for those who do not have seizures. Common anticonvulsant medications are Lyrica, Neurontin, and Topamax. Antidepressant medications are used to treat depression and pain. Antidepressants are great for treat migraines, menstrual pain, and mood disorders. There are several types of antidepressants:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)- Prozac and Zoloft
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)- Cymbalta
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (NRIs)- Vivalan
Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)- Wellbutrin
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)-Elavil
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOIs)-Emsam and Nardil
Corticosteroids can also be prescribed. Prescription corticosteroids treat the same problems as the OTC corticosteroids, but they also treat allergies, asthma, and itching. Prescription corticosteroids include Deltasone, Hydeltrasol, and Solu-Medrol. Opioids are pain medications that are narcotic. They are used to treat mild pain and are typically used after a surgery. Opioids can be natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids are created from the resin of the poppy seed. Natural opioids include morphine, codeine, and thebaine. Synthetic opioids include fentanyl, methadone, and tramadol. Semi-synthetic opioids are created from the natural opioids and include hydrocodone, oxycodone, and benzylmorphine. Opioids can be addictive if they are taken for too long of a time. For this reason physicians usually only prescribe them for a short time.

There are several types of pain medications to choose from. If the pain is mild, an over-the-counter pain reliever will probably suffice. If the pain is more severe, a prescription pain reliever may be needed. Whatever kind of pain it is, there is a medication for it.

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