Overview

Pain can keep you from doing the things you want to do. Medicine may help you feel better. There are many kinds of pain medicine. One type you can buy over the counter is acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Other medicines help both pain and swelling. These are called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). All of these drugs can cause side effects. Take them just as the package label tells you to. The most common side effects are stomach upset and heartburn. If the medicine upsets your stomach, you can try taking it with food.

If you take NSAIDs often, you could get stomach ulcers or kidney problems. This can also happen if you take them for a long time. NSAIDs rarely cause a bad allergic reaction.

Many pain medicines need to be prescribed by a doctor. Some of these drugs are called opioids. Examples are hydromorphone, morphine, fentanyl, tramadol, and codeine. Taking opioids can lead to opioid use disorder. Moderate to severe opioid use disorder is sometimes called addiction. These medicines often can be used safely if you are under a doctor's care.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If you take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Be careful when taking over-the-counter cold or influenza (flu) medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines contain acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not taking more than the recommended dose. Too much Tylenol can be harmful.
• Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to.
• Do not take pain medicines (like an opioid) with alcohol or with certain drugs like sleeping pills and muscle relaxers. This can slow down your breathing and cause an accidental overdose.
• Safely store and dispose of opioids. Make sure that pets, children, friends, and family can't get to them.
• If your pain pills make you constipated:
  • Talk to your doctor about a laxative. If a laxative doesn't work, your doctor might suggest a prescription medicine.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • Take fibre, such as Benefibre or Metamucil, daily if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If you take pain medicine for more than a few days, talk to your doctor before you take fibre.