Benefits and risks of pain management medications
All medications strong enough to be effective in pain management also carry some degree of risk. Taking a medication does not mean that you will incur its side effects; these are risks, not certainties. Below is a table of medications and possible risks. Your pain management team will discuss risks and benefits of any medication prescribed.
| Medication | Benefits | Risks |
| NSAID's Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen |
NSAIDS are very effective for mild and moderate pain. Many are sold over the counter, not requiring a doctor’s prescription | These medicines can cause stomach upset. They may cause bleeding in the stomach, reduce blood clotting, and in large doses over time they can cause kidney problems. At high doses acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, can also affect platelet counts. Aspirin and ibuprofen may cause bleeding in the stomach. They also reduce the ability of blood to clot, and over time, if they are taken in large doses they can affect kidney function. If you are using any of these medications it’s important that your health care team know about it. |
|---|---|---|
| Opioids morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, codeine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, methadone |
Highly effective in controlling moderate to severe pain and do not cause GI bleeding |
Many people taking opioids experience sleepiness, constipation, and nausea and vomiting. Some people also experience itching. Slowed breathing sometimes occurs when a person starts taking an opioid, but with continued use this usually resolves. |
| Antiepileptics Carbamezapine, Gabapentin, Lamotrigine |
Antiseizure medications help with pain from nerve damage, like burning or tingling |
If you’re taking antiseizure medication your blood should be checked regularly, because these medications can sometimes reduce blood cell counts or cause liver damage. |
Antidepressants Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Sinequan, Desyrel |
Help control tingling or burning pain from damaged nerves. They also improve sleep. |
Many people experience sleepiness, dry mouth constipation when they taking these medications. Some people also experience orthostatic hypotension, a temporary drop in blood pressure that leads to dizziness and lightheadedness when they stand up suddenly. |
| Steroids Prednisone, Dexamethisone |
Steroids help relieve pain caused by inflammation and bone pain. Steroids increase appetite. |
Some people experience stomach irritation. Steroids may cause stomach bleeding, fluid retention, and increase blood sugar levels. Less common side effects include confusion and muscle weakness. |
