Thursday, August 28, 2008
Chronic Pain Medications by Robert Paulson
Chronic pain sufferers have many options when it comes to treatment. Modern medicine and pharmacology have virtually eliminated the need to live with pain and physicians can now prescribe a wide variety of treatment options. Whether you are suffering from chronic back, neck, muscle and joint pain or even migraines, there are several medications can be used safely to control chronic pain. Below is a brief introduction to some of the most common pain medications and the conditions they re most prescribed for.
Tramadol (Ultram)
Tramadol is most commonly marketed in the United States under the brand name Ultram. It is also available under other brand names such as Adolan, Tradol and Tradolan. Tramadol is an opiate similar to morphine but with about 10% of the potency. It is one of the few pain medications of this class that is not classified as a controlled substance in the United States (in some countries it can actually be obtained without a prescription in some countries). It is most commonly prescribed for all moderate to severe chronic pain that requires around the clock treatment.
Butalbital (Fioricet)
Butalbital, most often available under the brand name Fioricet, is a leading prescription pain reliever for migraine headaches and other forms of severe pain. Fioricet is a barbituate and is often combined with other pain relief medications such as acetaminophen and codeine (and sometimes even caffeine). Fioricet is available in capsule, tablet and liquid form. It is recommended that Fioricet be taken as close to the initial feelings of pain as possible to for maximum effect. Other brand names include Anolor, Margesic, Phrenilin and Esgic Plus.
Carisoprodol (Soma)
Carisopridol, more commonly known as Soma in the United States has become a very popular chronic pain medication in recent times. Classified as a muscle relaxant, Soma is most often prescribed for acute and sever muskoskeletal pain in adults. Carisoprodol has exhibited possible habit forming qualities but is widely prescribed. It is often available as a combination with other medications such as aspirin and codeine. The main mechanism of Soma is to block pain sensations in the brain that originate in the nervous system. Soma works rapidly (within 30 mins) and usual lasts for up to 6 hours.
Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Celebrex is the brand name for Celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory pain medication that is non-steroidal in nature. Celebrex is now one of the leading pain medications prescribed for the relief of sever arthritis pain. More and more it is also being used to treat pre-cancerous polyps in the intestine. Stomach upset is the most commonly reported side effect of Celebrex and it should never be crushed, chewed or broken prior to use. Celebrex blocks hormones in the body that lead to inflammation and pain.
Vicodin (Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone)
Vicodin has been a widely prescribed medication for chronic pain for some time. It is a combination of Acetaminophen and the opioid Hydrocodone. The combination of these two substances has proven to be much more effective that using either by itself. It works by lowering pain inducing hormones and blocking pain receptors in the brain. Vicodin has shown habit forming qualities and should only be taken strictly as prescribed.
The chronic pain medications listed above simply represent the most commonly prescribed drugs for pain relief. If you are suffering with chronic pain, it is important to consult with a physician prior to engaging any prescription medications. Depending on your situation, other medications that you use and your medical history, some of these medications may be inappropriate.
Source:
Suffering from chronic pain? Get the answers you need at RelievingPain.org. Locate cheaper alternatives to filling your prescription medications at the web's only medication search engine, FindingMeds.net.