| What are Different Types of Pain Medications? |
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ARTICLE SUMMARY Experience in healthcare for over 20 years has taught me about the field of pain management. The most important thing I can relay is you and your loved one should consult with your doctor before taking any medications, prescriptions or otherwise, that are discussed here. A doctor experienced in pain control will be your sure source of good information and practices, for your dying loved one’s pain management program. Pain medications include:
For more difficult pain, spinal nerve blocks can be used to keep the nerve from transmitting pain. Barbiturates become the bottom line for relief. If your loved one is suffering in pain, it is because available treatments are not being utilized. Regardless of the treatments used, effective pain management is always possible. What are different types of Pain medications? FULL ARTICLE Experience in healthcare for over 20 years has taught me about the field of pain management. The most important thing I can relay is you and your loved one should consult with your doctor before taking any medications, prescriptions or otherwise, that are discussed here. A doctor experienced in pain control will be your sure source of good information and practices, for your dying loved one’s pain management program. Categories of pain medications include over the counter medications, prescription pain killers, prescription antidepressants, anticonvulsants, nerve blocks and finally barbiturates. Over the counter pain medications include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, which can be of help with mild to moderate pain. Read carefully the directions contained in the package. When over the counter medications are no longer effective, your doctor may consider an opioid, such as codeine, morphine, hydromorhone, fentanyl, or oxycodone, but avoid Meperidine. As discussed previously, several alternate routes of administration exist for these drugs. When combined with other medications such as an antidepressants or anticonvulsants, these can be effective in treating nerve pain. Steroids such as prednisone help reduce inflammation, and work well with opioids. Different medications used in combination - at the same time - can be helpful in treating some types of pain. In some situations it may be the combination of over the counter medications with opiods and possibly anti-convulsant or other medications that are needed for an effective pain management program. Good communication with your Doctor as to what works and does not is critical here, as each person’s situation is unique, and each pain is unique. For more difficult pain, spinal nerve blocks can be used to keep the nerve from transmitting pain. They can be long lasting, as well. In the rare case that pain is so overwhelming that sedation is required, barbiturates become the bottom line for relief. If your loved one is suffering in pain, it is because available treatments are not being utilized. Regardless of the treatments used, effective pain management is always possible. |