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Chronic Pain Relief - The Top 5 Medications
By Robert Paulson
Those suffering with chronic pain have many options when it comes to finding relief. Modern medicine and pharmacology have virtually removed the need to live with pain and physicians can now prescribe a wide variety of treatment options. Whether you are living with chronic back, neck, muscle and joint pain or even migraines, there are several medications can be used safely to treat chronic pain. Below is a brief introduction to some of the most common pain medications and the conditions they are most often used for.
Ultram (Tramadol)
Tramadol is most often 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). It is most often prescribed for all moderate to severe chronic pain that requires around the clock treatment.
Butalbital (Fioricet)
Butalbital, most often prescribed under the brand name Fioricet, is a leading prescription pain medication 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, most often sold and marketed as Soma in the United States has become a widely prescribed chronic pain medication in recent
times. Classified as a muscle relaxant, Soma is most often prescribed for chronic and intense muskoskeletal pain in adults. Carisoprodol has demonstrated 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 goal of Soma is to block pain sensations in the brain that originate in the nervous system. Soma works rapidly (within 30 mins) and usually 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 medications for chronic pain prescribed for the relief of sever arthritis pain. It is also frequently used to treat pre-cancerous polyps in the intestine. Upset stomach is the most frequently reported side effect of Celebrex and it should never be crushed, chewed or broken prior to use. Celebrex acts upon hormones in the body that lead to inflammation and pain.
Acetaminophen-Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Vicodin has been a widely prescribed medication for chronic pain for some time. It is a combination of Acetaminophen and the opioid Hydrocodone. The mixture of these two medications has proven to be much more effective than using either alone. 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 as prescribed.
The chronic pain medications listed above simply represent the most often prescribed drugs for pain relief. If you are suffering with chronic pain, it is important to consult with a doctor prior to engaging any prescription medications. Depending on your situation, other medications that you use and your medical history, some of these medications may not be suitable.
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