What is pain medication ?
Some medications can be helpful to manage our pain and keep you active. The information below is for adults over the age of 18 only.
Before starting new medications, it is a good idea to look at the information leaflet that comes with your medication and please do not take more than the recommended dose on your packaging or the dose prescribed by a doctor.
If you do experience any significant side effects from taking pain relief, please stop taking immediately and speak to a doctor or pharmacist before continuing to use it.
How can I get pain medication?
There are two ways to get medication Over The Counter (OTC) or by Prescription.
You do not need a prescription to buy OTC medication. These are available to buy at chemists and supermarkets. They are most effective for mild to moderate pain, before the pain becomes too bad. They are for short term use.
Prescription medication is issued by your Doctor and is obtained from a Pharmacy.
Types of pain medication
Pain relief
Paracetamol is the most common medication used for pain relief. It is often seen as one of the safer pain relief tablets to try first. It comes as a tablet, a liquid or a tablet that dissolves in water. If paracetamol is not helping within a few days, it may be worth speaking to your GP to see whether you would benefit from taking something different. More information can be found on the NHS Website
Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
Ibuprofen is the most common NSAID used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. It comes as a tablet, a cream, a gel and patches. The gels and creams may be better for joints such as hands, feet, knees. NSAID tablets are usually stronger than the gels and creams. Certain NSAID are only available on prescription. These are only recommended in short courses and if you have had no benefit within 5-10 days of taking them, they’re unlikely to be helpful so it would be best to stop taking them. More information can be found on the NHS Website
Prescription pain medication
Prescription medication is only available from your Doctor, such as: Co-codamol, Tramadol, Naproxen etc.
Considerations
Please speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice before taking pain medication if you:
- Are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding
- Are over the age of 65
- Have problems with your breathing (including asthma), heart, liver, kidneys, blood pressure, circulation or bowels
- Are taking other medications
- Have had a stomach ulcer
- Have had an allergic reaction to any medications in the past