Narcotics are strong pain medications with a potential for dependence and addiction.  Narcotics can also have some other, very serious side effects.  Non-narcotics should always be considered as a first line drug or in combination with narcotic therapy.  Taking these medications may treat your pain by themselves or may lower the total amount of narcotics you may have to take.  If you suffer from chronic pain here are some things you about non-narcotic pain maedications. 

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available both with and without a prescription. More potent and longer lasting NSAID’s typically require a prescription.  These drugs are effective in treating inflammation.  Common prescription NSAIDs are Mobic and Voltaren. 
  • Celebrex is a long acting prescription NSAID that does not have gastrointestinal side effects. It can be safely used with patients that have gastritis or stomach ulcers.
  • Do not use prescription NSAIDs and non-prescription NSAIDs together, as this can cause a relative overdose and lead to side effects.
  • Use NSAID’s, even over the counter ones, as directed. Serious side effects include kidney problems, stomach ulcers or increased risk of stroke and heart attack.  Just because a medication is over the counter does not mean it has no dangers.
  • Muscle relaxants are medications that reduce muscle spasm. If you feel tightness and stiffness and your doctor detects muscle spasm, these medications may be helpful.  Flexeril and Robaxin are common muscle relaxants.  Soma is a muscle relaxant with high dependence and addiction potential.  It should not be used for more than 2 weeks.
  • Neurontin is an anti-seizure medication that has been shown to be very effective at treating nerve pain, called radiculopathy.
  • Lyrica is similar to Neurontin in that it is a seizure medication that effectively treats nerve pain. Lyrica may have fewer side effects for some patients than Neurontin.
  • Anti-depressant medications help treat pain by increasing the levels of calming neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are used by brain cells to communicate with one another.
  • Cymbalta is an anti-depressant medicine that has been recently approved for treating chronic musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) pain. Cymbalta belongs to a class of anti-depressant medications called selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs).
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of anti-depressant medications that may be effective in treating chronic pain. SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.
  • Other anti-depressants may also be effective. Tri-cyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) include Elavil, Pamelor, Tofranil and Norpramin.
  • Compound creams are a new class of medications. These creams contain typical medications like those described above, but the medications are absorbed as a cream applied to the site of pain.  The advantage is that these medications can be applied where they are needed without unnecessary side effects involving the whole body.  The disadvantage is that these medications are expensive and not covered by many insurance plans.  Though topical, serious side effects can occur if used improperly.
  • In order to avoid side effects or problems, remember to use all medications as directed, for the shortest duration possible and at the lowest possible dosages.