Pain Relievers: Over-the-Counter, Prescription and Non-Drug Options

Pain relievers are medicines that ease headaches, sore muscles, arthritis and other aches and pains. There are many kinds, each with advantages and risks; some types of pain respond better to certain medicines, and each person may react a little differently.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines work for many kinds of pain. Two types are usually recommended for mild to moderate pain.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is in many OTC and prescription medicines and is often considered safer than other pain relievers. But people often take too much by accident: don't exceed the daily limit, and don't use more than one medicine containing acetaminophen. Check with your provider before taking it for more than ten days — or five days for a child.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). They often work best when pain comes with inflammation (swelling), as in arthritis or menstrual cramps. Taken above the recommended amount, they can cause nausea, stomach pain or ulcers.

Prescription pain relievers

If OTC medicines don't help, your provider may prescribe something stronger. Many NSAIDs come in higher prescription doses. The most powerful pain relievers are opioids, sometimes called narcotics — for example oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine. They are sometimes used for moderate to severe pain, such as after a major injury or surgery. Opioids work very well but can have serious side effects and carry a risk of addiction, so use them only under your provider's supervision.

Treatments without drugs

Medicines are only one part of treating pain. Your surroundings, stress and your beliefs about pain can affect how you feel it and respond to treatment. Depending on the cause and type of pain, options include:

• acupuncture;
• hot or cold packs;
• massage therapy;
• physical therapy;
• relaxation techniques.

Check with your provider before trying any of them.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Pain Relievers." https://medlineplus.gov/painrelievers.html
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