Chronic Pain Relief - The Top 5 Medications

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 approaches. Whether you are suffering from 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 frequently 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 similar in action to morphine as both are opiates but Tramadol has 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 commonly prescribed for all moderate to severe chronic pain that requires continuous treatment.

Fioricet (Butalbital)

Butalbital, most often available under the brand name Fioricet, is a leading prescription pain reliever for migraine headaches and other forms of chronic 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 the maximum pain relief benefits. Other brand names include Anolor, Margesic, Phrenilin and Esgic Plus.

Soma (Carisoprodol)

Carisopridol, more commonly known 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 acute and severe muskoskeletal pain in adults. Carisoprodol has demonstrated possible habit forming qualities but is widely prescribed. It is often available mixed 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 quickly (within 30 mins) and usually lasts for up to 6 hours.

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Celecoxib is usually found under the brand name Celebrex, 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 often 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.

Vicodin (Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone)

Vicodin has been a widely prescribed medication for chronic pain in recent times. It is a combined medication of Acetaminophen and the opiate Hydrocodone. The combination of these two substances has proven to be much more effective than using either in isolation. It works by lowering pain inducing hormones and blocking pain receptors in the brain. Vicodin has shown some evidence of dependence and should only be taken as prescribed.

These chronic pain medications 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.

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