Understanding What Drugs Are Used to Relieve Pain

October 11, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the CDC, overdose deaths from prescription pain relievers have reached epidemic levels, highlighting the critical need for understanding safe and effective pain management. This guide explains what drugs are used to relieve pain, outlining different types of medications and their appropriate uses.

Quick Summary

Pain relief involves various medication types, from over-the-counter options to powerful prescription drugs. These medications work differently to combat pain, either by reducing inflammation, blocking nerve signals, or altering the brain's perception of pain. The right choice depends on the type, intensity, and duration of the pain, along with a patient's overall health.

Key Points

Categorize Your Pain: Mild to moderate pain often responds well to OTC drugs, while severe pain or specific types like nerve pain may require prescription medication.
Know the Over-the-Counter Options: Acetaminophen is primarily for pain and fever, whereas NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen also address inflammation.
Understand Prescription Risks: Opioids are powerful but carry significant risks of addiction and overdose and are reserved for severe, short-term pain.
Target Nerve Pain Effectively: Neuropathic pain requires specialized medications like anticonvulsants or certain antidepressants, as standard painkillers are often ineffective.
Consider Topical and Alternative Treatments: For localized pain, topical applications like gels or patches offer targeted relief with fewer systemic side effects, and non-drug therapies can also be effective.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist to determine the best medication, especially with pre-existing conditions or for long-term use, to avoid drug interactions and risks.

Understanding the Different Types of Pain Relievers

Pain management is a complex field that relies on a variety of drugs known as analgesics. The choice of medication is determined by the cause, intensity, and duration of the pain, as well as the patient's overall health profile. Pain can be categorized as acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and different drugs are better suited for each type. Pain medications are broadly classified into non-opioid and opioid categories, with many sub-types falling under each umbrella.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Analgesics

For mild to moderate pain, many effective and safe options are available without a prescription. These medications are typically recommended as a first-line treatment for short-term pain from headaches, muscle aches, sprains, or menstrual cramps.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol, is a widely used pain reliever.

How it works: Its exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to act in the central nervous system to block pain signals. It reduces fever but, unlike NSAIDs, does not significantly reduce inflammation.
Key facts: It is often recommended as a safer option for individuals with stomach issues, kidney problems, or for those taking blood thinners. However, exceeding the daily maximum dose can cause severe liver damage.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are a class of drugs that not only relieve pain but also reduce inflammation and fever. Common OTC examples include:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Effective for inflammation-related pain such as arthritis, muscle pain, and menstrual cramps.
Naproxen (Aleve): Works similarly to ibuprofen but has a longer-lasting effect, allowing for less frequent dosing.
Aspirin: An older NSAID that also acts as a blood thinner, making it useful for heart health but increasing the risk of stomach bleeding. It should not be given to children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Prescription Medications for Moderate to Severe Pain

When OTC medications are insufficient, or for more severe or specific types of pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger drugs. These require careful medical supervision due to potential side effects and risks.

Opioid Analgesics

These powerful pain relievers are reserved for moderate to severe pain, such as after surgery or for some cancer-related pain. They work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals and produce a sense of euphoria. Examples include:

Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
Morphine
Fentanyl

Risks: Opioids carry a significant risk of addiction, dependence, and overdose. Common side effects include drowsiness, constipation, and nausea. Due to these risks, they are used for the shortest duration possible.

Nerve Pain Medications (Neuropathic Pain)

This class of drugs is used for chronic nerve-related pain, which often doesn't respond to standard painkillers. They work by calming overactive nerve signals.

Anticonvulsants: Originally for seizures, drugs like gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are effective for nerve pain from conditions like diabetic neuropathy and shingles.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and SNRIs like duloxetine (Cymbalta), can help manage chronic nerve pain even without depression.

Muscle Relaxants

For pain caused by muscle spasms, prescription muscle relaxants may be used for short-term relief. Common examples include cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). They often cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Topical Analgesics

These are applied directly to the skin for localized pain relief, with less risk of systemic side effects.

Topical NSAIDs: Gels containing diclofenac (Voltaren) are applied to joints for arthritis pain.
Local Anesthetics: Lidocaine patches or creams can numb specific areas, useful for localized nerve pain.

Comparison of Major Pain Medication Types


Medication Type	How It Works	Best For	Potential Risks
Acetaminophen	Blocks pain signals in the central nervous system.	Mild to moderate pain, fever. Good for those with stomach issues.	Liver damage with high doses, especially with alcohol.
NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)	Reduces inflammation and blocks pain signals by inhibiting COX enzymes.	Mild to moderate pain with inflammation (arthritis, muscle strains).	Stomach bleeding/ulcers, kidney problems, heart issues with long-term use.
Opioids	Blocks pain signals in the brain and spinal cord by binding to receptors.	Moderate to severe acute pain (post-surgery, fractures), some chronic cancer pain.	High risk of addiction, dependence, overdose. Constipation, drowsiness.
Nerve Pain Meds (e.g., Gabapentin, Duloxetine)	Calms overactive nerve signals and adjusts how the nervous system processes pain.	Chronic nerve-related pain (diabetic neuropathy, shingles, fibromyalgia).	Drowsiness, dizziness, weight changes, mood changes.
Muscle Relaxants	Relieves muscle spasms by acting on the central nervous system.	Short-term relief of muscle spasms.	Drowsiness, dizziness.

Choosing the Right Medication and Using It Safely

Navigating the world of pain relief requires careful consideration and, most importantly, medical advice. Starting with OTC options is common for mild discomfort, but it is crucial to follow dosage instructions precisely. When OTC options are insufficient, or for more specific types of pain like neuropathic pain, a healthcare provider can recommend a more targeted prescription.

Before taking any medication, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, or heart issues, consult with a doctor. It is also vital to inform your physician of all other medications you are taking to prevent dangerous drug interactions. For long-term use, alternative therapies like physical therapy, injections, or mind-body techniques may be considered to reduce reliance on medication.

Opioid use, in particular, should be closely monitored and reserved for severe pain, following the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to minimize risks. The serious risks of addiction and overdose associated with opioids make them a last-resort option for chronic pain. For more information on opioid safety and alternatives, the American Society of Anesthesiologists offers valuable resources.

Conclusion

Pain management involves a spectrum of medications, from common OTC drugs like acetaminophen and NSAIDs for mild inflammation and pain to powerful prescription opioids and nerve pain medications for more severe or specialized conditions. Each drug class works differently and carries unique benefits and risks. Safe and effective use depends on accurate diagnosis, adherence to dosage instructions, and careful monitoring, especially with chronic use. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate and safest pain management plan for your specific needs, considering alternatives and potential side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) differ primarily in their effect on inflammation. While both reduce pain and fever, only ibuprofen, an NSAID, also reduces inflammation.

Due to the significant risks of addiction, dependence, and severe side effects, opioids are generally not recommended for long-term chronic pain, and alternative non-opioid therapies are preferred.

While it is generally safe to alternate between acetaminophen and an NSAID, you should never combine two different NSAIDs. Always consult a pharmacist or doctor before combining medications to avoid potential interactions and side effects.

Medications for nerve pain often include anticonvulsants like gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica), and certain antidepressants such as duloxetine (Cymbalta). Standard NSAIDs are often ineffective for this type of pain.

Taking NSAIDs with food can reduce stomach upset. For all pain medications, taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible is recommended. Discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider.

Individuals with a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or heart conditions should use NSAIDs with caution or avoid them altogether. Pregnant women and the elderly may also be at higher risk of side effects.

Yes, topical pain relievers like lidocaine patches or diclofenac gel can be very effective for localized pain, such as from arthritis or muscle aches, delivering targeted relief with minimal systemic side effects.