Medications
Medication Comparison Table
| Medication Type | Common Examples | What It Targets | Effectiveness | Key Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | Tylenol | — | Limited benefit | Liver damage (high doses) |
| NSAIDs | ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex) | Inflammation-related pain | Modest | GI, kidney, and heart risks |
| Duloxetine | Cymbalta | Chronic pain broadly | Moderate | Nausea, dizziness |
| Pregabalin | Lyrica | Nerve pain | Moderate | Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness |
| Gabapentin | Neurontin | Nerve pain | Moderate | Dizziness, drowsiness |
| Tramadol | Ultram, Ultracet (combination) | Moderate to severe pain | Moderate | Nausea, constipation, dependence |
| Topical treatments | diclofenac gel (Voltaren), lidocaine patches, capsaicin cream | Localized pain | Modest to moderate | Among the safest options |
| Muscle relaxants | cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), tizanidine (Zanaflex), baclofen | Muscle spasm | Not effective for chronic back pain | Drowsiness, dry mouth |
| Opioids | hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine | Severe pain | Modest | Long-term use not recommended |