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    Medicine for Pain

    Medicines can help to block pain, decrease inflammation, and treat related problems. More than 1 medicine may be used to treat your pain. Medicines may be changed as you feel better, or if they cause side effects.

    Medicines

    Examples

    What they do

    Possible side effects

    Nonopioid NSAIDs

    aspirin, a, ibuprofen, naproxen

    Reduce pain chemicals at the site of pain. NSAIDs can reduce joint and soft tissue inflammation.

    Nausea, stomach pain and irritation, ulcers, indigestion, bleeding, kidney, and liver problems. Certain NSAIDs may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke in some people. Smoking and alcohol can make the risk worse. Talk with your healthcare provider.

    Opioids

    morphine and similar medicines, often called narcotics

    Reduce feelings or perception of pain. Used for moderate to severe pain.

    Nausea, vomiting, itching, drowsiness or sleepiness, constipation, slowed breathing

    Other medicines

    corticosteroids, antinausea, antidepressants, antiseizure medicines

    Reduce swelling, burning or tingling pain, or certain side effects of pain medicines, such as nausea or vomiting

    Your healthcare provider will explain the possible side effects of these medicines.

    Anesthetics (local, injected)

    lidocaine, benzocaine, and medicines used by anesthesiologists

    Stop pain signals from reaching the brain by blocking feeling in the treated area

    Nausea, low blood pressure, fever, slowed breathing, dizziness, weakness, fainting, seizures, heart attack

    When to call your healthcare provider

    Call your healthcare provider right away (or have a family member call) if any of the following occur:

    • Unrelieved pain

    • Side effects, including constipation or uncontrolled nausea, that interfere with daily activities

    If you have extreme sleepiness or breathing problems, call 911.

    Other precautions

    • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to get rid of your pain medicines safely when you stop using them.

    • Never share your pain medicines with anyone.

    • Store your medicines in a safe place so they can’t be stolen. If you think your medicine has been stolen or lost, tell your healthcare provider right away.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Jimmy Moe MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick BSN MSN
    Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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