What Are the Names of Common Painkillers?

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Painkiller is a term that is often used to describe several different medications/drugs. Many substances also fall into this drug category, but not all of them are narcotics. It is important to know the common names of painkillers,  as well as their status, drug class and potential for abuse.

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Pain Relievers vs. Painkillers

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Pain relievers are medicines that reduce or relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis or other aches.” A person may be given one or more of these drugs for an acute or chronic pain issue.

Pain reliever is often used as a more blanket term, while painkiller may be used to describe a more specific type of drug class: narcotics. However, since both can be used interchangeably, it is important to be aware of the types of drugs one may be referring to when mentioning either of these terms.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications
  • Acetaminophen
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• More powerful NSAIDS, which are available by prescription only
• Narcotics

These three categories cover the most common types of pain-relieving/ pain-killing medications. The type of medication you will need largely depends on the frequency, intensity and severity of your pain.

OTC Pain Medications

Aspirin is a common over-the-counter pain medication.

A number of medications that fall under the category of OTC pain relievers. According to the NLM, it is still very important to take these medications as directed, even though they are available over-the-counter and without a prescription from a medical provider.

You should always read the label of any OTC medication you are taking to be aware of its directions for use.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain reliever. Typically, medications containing acetaminophen are beneficial for relieving fevers and headaches. Acetaminophen is often found in OTC cold and flu medications as well. Popular brands include:

• Tylenol
• Pain-Eze
• Excedrin
• Midol
• Tempra
• Sudafed
• Nyquil/Dayquil

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are another type of pain reliever. These drugs reduce headaches as well as other types of aches and discomfort. They also work by reducing inflammation. There are three common types of NSAIDs, including:

• Ibuprofen
  • Advil
  • Motrin
• Naproxen sodium
  • Aleve
• Aspirin
  • Ascriptin
  • Bayer
  • Ecotrin

Prescription NSAIDS

Additionally, a person may be prescribed a stronger NSAID that can treat more intense pain as well as other symptoms. NSAIDS are among the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide. Some of the most common types of prescription NSAIDs include:

• Brand: Toradol
  • Generic: Ketorolac
• Brand: Naprosyn
  • Generic: Naproxen
• Brand: Dolobid
  • Generic: Difunisal
• Brand: Mobic
  • Generic: Meloxicam

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Narcotics

Narcotics are also some of the most commonly prescribed painkillers. These drugs are more intense than any other type of medication in this category. If a person is suffering from severe or chronic pain, they may be prescribed a narcotic. Although narcotics are extremely useful in treating certain types of pain, they must always be taken as directed by your medical provider because of their high potential for abuse and addiction.

Some of the most commonly used narcotic medications include:

• Codeine
  • Brand: Tuzistra
• Fentanyl
  • Brand: Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze
• Hydrocodone
  • Brand: Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Vicoprofen
• Hydromorphone
  • Brand: Dilaudid
• Methadone
  • Brand: Methadose, Dolophine
• Morphine
  • Brand: Duramorph, Roxanol
• Oxycodone
  • Brand: OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Combunox
• Oxymorphone
  • Brand: Opana

Narcotics are sometimes combined with NSAIDs or acetaminophen to increase their efficacy. For example, Percocet is a medication that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen, while Vicoprofen is a combination drug containing hydrocodone and ibuprofen.

It is especially important to be aware that although medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are available without a prescription and over-the-counter, both can have negative consequences when taken at higher doses than are recommended. For this reason, you should always read the labels of any medications you plan to take and only take them as directed.

No matter how mild the drug, it could still cause intense side effects if abused or taken in too high a dose.

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If you have been misusing pain medications and need help, call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) for help now.

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