Learn About Non-Narcotic Medication Management

Narcotic medications such as fentanyl, percocet, oxycodone, codeine, and hydrocodone have long been used for controlling pain. While effective, they aren’t meant for long-term treatment and can be addictive. Unfortunately, the body gets used to these medications (known as tolerance). Increasing these medications may not give much benefit and actually make the patient at risk for respiratory depression and sudden death. This has led to a movement away from using these medications, known as opiods, for controlling pain. Instead, non-narcotic methods are preferred that are able to effectively reduce pain without the addictive quality. Pain Management Services provides opportunities to address your pain using these techniques.

Non-Opioid Medications For Treating Chronic Pain

Eight different non-opioid medications are used for treating pain. Each of these medications has their own benefits and are appropriate for different types of pain.

• Naproxen is the generic name for medications such as Aleve and is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that eases pain by mitigating the creation of prostaglandins within the body. It’s useful for treating pain from menstrual cramps, low back pain, arthritis, headaches, and a variety of other aches and pains.
• Aspirin – Another NSAID, this medication is also a blood thinner. It’s effective for the treatment of arthritis, menstrual cramps, and migraines, among other concerns.
• Ibuprofen – Another form of NSAID, this medication is effective in reducing aches and pains, toothaches, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches.
• Acetaminophen – This analgesic is also an antipyretic, making it effective for addressing fevers. It can also be used for treating pain from minor injuries, sore throats, headaches, neck aches, backaches, and other minor concerns.
• Corticosteroids – This anti-inflammatory is effective for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, and Crohn’s disease. It addresses the inflammation and resulting chronic pain that comes with it. Hydrocortisone and prednisone are two examples of this medication.
• Muscle Relaxants – These medications ease the central nervous system, allowing the muscles to relax. They’re effective at treating severe pain resulting from cramps and muscle spasms. Methocarbamol and cyclobenzaprine are both examples of muscle relaxants.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants – Antidepressants have been shown as an effective method of treating enduring pain. They alter the way in which the brain handles pain and take several weeks to provide their maximum pain relief. Amitriptyline and nortriptyline are both examples of this medication. They affect the norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the body.
• Anticonvulsants – These medications are effective at treating nerve pain by helping ease pain by soothing damaged and overactive nerves. Gabapentin and pregabalin are both examples of these medications.

While some of these medications are available over the counter, our physicians can prescribe them in dosages not available from your pharmacy shelves. At these dosages, you should carefully take them exactly according to the terms of the prescription.

Medication Options With Pain Management Services

If you’re seeking methods of controlling your chronic pain with non-opioid options, contact Pain Management Services. They’ll arrange an assessment with their board certified pain management physicians. During this consultation, you’ll receive treatment options appropriate to your concerns. Relief from chronic pain doesn’t have to come at the risks of opioid medications. Call today to see what your options are!