w
SPECIAL SECTION
FOR YOUR HEALTH
Which is best for your pain?
WHAT TYPE
OF PAIN DO
YOU HAVE?
Analgesic answers
HEN YOU have pain, you may find the large number of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics (pain
relievers) overwhelming. And how do you know if you can manage with an OTC analgesic or if you
need something stronger, a prescription analgesic? Here is a quick primer with information from
anesthesiologists and pain-management experts that may help you decide. C
NERVE PAIN, where it is more of a sharp,
shooting sensation or a pain that radiates
from one location to another, may require a
prescription medication.
SIMPLE, SUPERFICIAL PAIN.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
may help with aches and pains, strains, anything that could be inflammatory in nature.
BY MARIJKE VROOMEN DURNING
Marijke Vroomen Durning is a registered
nurse and author.
Opioids, which are narcotics, are prescribed
alone or in combination with acetamino-
phen. Opioids treat more serious or
severe pain caused by injury, sur-
gery or illness. They are usually
meant for short-term use only,
as long-term use (commonly
prescribed for long-term
chronic cancer pain) carries a
risk of physical dependence
or addiction.
Other prescription medica-
tions, such as antidepres-
sants and anti-seizure
drugs, may also be prescribed
for pain. If you have neuro-
pathic (nerve) pain or chronic
pain that doesn’t respond to these
analgesics, other prescription drugs,
such as antidepressants and anti-
A prescription NSAID
pain may help if you h
responding to OTC me
risk of physical dependence
ss
s
for pain. If you have neuro-
analgesics, other prescription drugs,
seizure medicat
Side effects from pr
widely, depending on
the dose, but the mos
sedation, nausea and
and the potenti THECOSTCOCONNECTION
Costco and Costco.com offer a variety of
over-the-counter pain medicines. Costco
members can get their pain prescriptions
;lled at Costco pharmacies.
©
AL
PA
PR
O
D
/
S
H
UT
T
ER
S
TOC
K
Acetaminophen can also treat pain
from headaches and arthritis, but it
doesn’t reduce inflammation and
swelling.
counter
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
(ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin).
NSAIDs often work best for treating
pain caused by inflammation, such as
sprains, toothaches, headaches, backaches and even arthritis.
The most common side effect of NSAIDs
is stomach upset. NSAIDs can react with
anticoagulants (blood thinners) and are
metabolized through the kidneys, so if
you have kidney disease your doctor may
advise against taking NSAIDs. Acetamino-
phen doesn’t upset the stomach the
way NSAIDs do, but large doses can
affect your liver.
