Do you know what you should know about pain management medication?
As one of the most commonly prescribed medications here at Island Pharmacy, we’re dedicating today’s blog to outlining the key principles of pain management, the types of prescription pain medication and what they treat, and how Island Pharmacy pharmacists are here to help.
Let’s jump in:
Key Principles of Pain Management
Pain management is a part of life and, at times, can be difficult to deal with. That’s where pain medication management comes in. What you get prescribed by your doctor will be based on the following key principles of pain management:
- Your physician is asking about the presence of pain.
- A self-report of pain is the most trustworthy indicator. Take pain seriously even when the cause is unknown
- Pain assessment. This includes the location, quality, and intensity, as well as a response to previous and current analgesic medications and non-pharmacologic interventions.
- The performance of a complete physical exam
- Treating of the pain while the indicative evaluation is completed
- Establish the cause of the pain, if possible
- Inaccurate diagnosis-specific therapy.
- A discussion with your physician about realistic goals and drawbacks of pain therapy for the specific diagnosis of pain
- Frequent reassessment, re-examination, and re-adjustment of therapy
Keep these principles in mind as you work with your physician to make your pain manageable.
Types of Prescription Pain Medication and What They Treat
Prescription pain medication gives stronger relief for continuing pain or acute pain after trauma or surgery. Pain relievers such as opioids, some antidepressants and anti-seizure medications are also responsible for lessening pain.
- Prescription pain relievers give stronger pain relief than over-the-counter (OTC) drugs do. Some types of prescription pain relievers are:
Antidepressants: these work on chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain and work best for migraines and chronic pain. - Anti-seizure medications: Medications targeted toward treating epilepsy interrupt pain signals to the brain, and they can ease nerve pain and fibromyalgia.
- Muscle relaxers: Reduce pain by relaxing tight muscles and alleviating muscle spasms.
- Opioids: Lab-made narcotic pain medicines that modify how your brain recognizes pain messages. They can be addictive, so healthcare professionals rarely prescribe opioids for chronic pain. These medicines can be taken for a short time after a traumatic injury or surgery.
- Steroids: These corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory drugs and treat migraines, severe arthritis and back pain.
- Topical: Your healthcare provider may choose to prescribe prescription-strength skin creams, gels, sprays or patches. They provide relief from muscle pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia.
How Island Pharmacy Pharmacists Are Here to Help
All of our Island Pharmacy locations are run by pharmacists who live, work and play in their communities. It is our mission to provide the best, personalized care possible, and our team all possess a genuine passion for helping others.
Visit us Today for a One-on-One Pain Management Medication Review
Come in today to get a one-on-one pain management medication review with one of our expert staff. We take the time to get to know our clients and find out what does and doesn’t work for them.
