Pain is an unpleasant sensation that may become discomforting at higher intensities. The common sites or origin of pain are back, eye, face, stomach, joint pain, tongue etc. The triggered pain can be of different types like severe, moderate or even mild. Several types of pain killers are available in the market to get rid of the pain. Painkillers are available in pharmacy either as over the counter drugs but some may require prescription from a medical doctor. Below is the list of common painkillers, both over the counter and prescribed, as well as their effects, potency and side effects.

List of Painkillers

General Guideline

• Pain killers which are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) works on the patho-physiological processes that elicit pain, fever and other signs of inflammation in the body.
• Corticosteroids pain killers are usually given for the management of musculoskeletal injuries due to its effect on shutting down inflammation causing processes.
• The pain which is triggered by any damaged or sensitive nerves (see most commonly in cases like sciatica or shingles) is usually managed by nerve blockers or anti-depressants. These tablets have the capacity to modulate the perception of pain by central nervous system.
• Some pain- killers are used as muscle relaxants to decreases the intensity of pain triggered by the muscles group. This pain killer act as sedative for central nervous system.
• Reason behind consuming medication is to improve the quality of life. It is important to realize that every pain killer is associated with some side effects in short term or long term. Therefore it is advised to learn and identify potential disadvantages before consuming any painkiller.

Following are the descriptions of some meds that will be mentioned on this list of painkillers:

Paracetamol

It is one of the popular pain killers available (mainly used for the management of common headaches and non nerve pains). The effective dose is 2 tablets which can be consumed at least 4 times a day (or at every 6 hrs interval). This dose and dosing regimen is considered safe for adults. There are no common side effects for this medication and this drug can be used for longer time period. However overdose of paracetamol can trigger some serious side effects; therefore it is highly recommended not to increase the dosage if the intensity of pain increases. If pain symptoms fail to resolve within three days, consult the general physician.

Ibuprofen

A list of painkillers with ibuprofen is not complete. This drug is a type of NSAIDs i.e. non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. It works best on inflammation causing substances in a same way it is used for treating arthritis or any injury. This drug is not allowed to be used for longer time periods unless the inflammation doesn’t disappear. If this drug is consumed for longer time periods, it can lead to serious side effects like bleeding, stomach upset, heart problems and kidney problems. It is highly advised not to consume overdose of this drug as it can trigger serious consequences.

Codeine

This drug doesn’t work well alone but can give far better results when used with paracetamol in a single formulation. Over the counter drugs are available under the label of co-codamol (which is paracetamol combined with lower quantity of codeine). Higher potency of codeine should only be used on doctor’s prescription. Some other painkillers with higher potency include Zydol (tramadol) and dihydrocodeine.

Drugs under this category are considered as habit-forming or addictive. The reason behind is these drugs makes a person feel unwell for a short time period when stop consuming. If for any particular reason this drug is consumed for longer time period then consult your general physician for advice.

Amitriptyline and Gabapentin

Gabapentin is the drug used for treating epilepsy and amitriptyline medication and is used for treating depression. Both of the drugs are also given to patients for treating pain triggered by damaged or hyper-sensitive nerves which includes sciatica, shingles or nerve pain caused by diabetes. This medication is consumed when prescribed by the general physician. Side effects of both the drugs include dizziness and drowsiness.

Morphine

This drug is considered as powerful and strongest pain killers available. Some other drugs fall under this category include fentanyl, buprenorphine and Oxycodone. It is advised to reserve the use of this pain killer only in severe pain. These medications are only consumed when prescribed by pain specialist or general physician as the doctor will monitor the progress on dosage potency. These drugs are usually used for long term to administer the pain.

The following table gives a list of painkillers with more OTC and prescribed medications: