How To Relieve Pain With Medicines

NOTE : If your doctor has said you should take medicines to relieve your pain, the information that follows will help you understand how to take them safely and effectively. Before taking any medicine, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Tell them about any other medications you take. Ask if it is safe to drink alcoholic beverages if you are taking pain medicine. Try to identify the cause of your pain. Remember, your pain may not always be caused by your cancer.

What Medicines Are Used To Relieve Pain?

Medicines that relieve pain are called ]]>analgesics]]> . Analgesics act on the nervous system to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness. Analgesics provide only temporary pain relief because they do not affect the cause of the pain. There are two types of analgesics:

]]>Nonprescription]]> or over-the counter (OTC) pain relievers for mild and moderate pain.

]]>Prescription pain relievers]]> for moderate to severe pain.

How Are Medicines Best Used To Relieve Pain?

Preventing pain from starting or getting worse is the best way to control it. Some people call this "staying on top of the pain." It may mean you can use lower doses of a pain reliever than if you wait until the pain gets bad. Don't be afraid to admit that you have pain.

Different pain medicines take different lengths of time to work. This is called " ]]>onset of action]]> ." For some medicine, it is only a few minutes. For others, it is several hours. If you wait too long to take pain medicine, your pain may get worse before the medicine helps. Some pain medicine must even be taken for several days or weeks before you get the best relief.

If you are in some pain all the time, your pain medicine should be taken regularly. It's important to follow the directions on the label. They may say, "Take one or two tablets three or four times a day for pain." Or the directions may tell you to take the medicine every 4 to 6 hours. You may be able to control your pain with a mild pain reliever if you take it as directed instead of once in a while. Check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if the labeled dose does not help your pain.

Sometimes people with pain think that they should wait as long as they can before taking medicine. This is not the way to control your pain. The pain may get worse if you wait, and it may then take longer for your medicine to give you relief. Waiting also may mean that larger doses or a stronger medicine will be needed to help your pain.

When I Take Medicine, the Pain Goes Away, but It Comes Back Quickly. Why?

The length of time that a pain relief medicine works is called the " ]]>duration of action]]> ." It varies among the different kinds of pain medicines. It is also different for different people.

Pain relief also depends on how much you take-the ]]>dose]]> -and how often you take it-the ]]>frequency]]> . If the pain relief that you get is wearing off before you are supposed to take the next dose, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse. Ask if you may take the medicine more often or in larger doses to keep the pain under control.

If the analgesic you are taking does not seem to lessen or stop the pain, ask if you can try a different one.

How Should I Take My Pain Medicine?

Most pain medicines are taken by mouth, usually as a tablet or capsule. Sometimes they are called caplets or gelcaps. Take your medicine with a large glass of water or other liquid, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not take your medicine with alcoholic beverages. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, ask your doctor or nurse about taking liquid pain medicine.

Pain medicine also can be injected under the skin or into a muscle or vein. Some pain medicine is available in suppository form. The easiest way to take pain medicine is by mouth, but shots or suppositories can be used if you have nausea or problems with swallowing. A skin patch that gradually releases pain medicine into the body is also available.

What Should I Do if I Have Side Effects From Pain Medicine?

Stop taking the medicine if you notice a rash, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Let your doctor know right away.

You need to tell your doctor or nurse if you are having such side effects as indigestion, nausea, dizziness, headache, constipation, or drowsiness. If you want to stop taking a medicine because of these side effects, discuss it with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist first.

Are the Same Pain Medicines Used for Children With Cancer As for Adults?

Yes, but usually smaller doses are used. The dose must be adjusted carefully depending on the age and size of the child.

If you are taking care of a child with cancer, you should talk with the doctor (usually a ]]>pediatric oncologist]]> , a doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer), nurse, or other health professional caring for the child about the best method of pain relief.

Can I Take Nonprescription Medications for Colds or Other Problems While I'm Taking Pain Medications?

When you are taking medicine for pain, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about taking any other medications.

Many cold pills and other over the counter (nonprescription) medicine can be taken along with analgesics and there are no harmful effects. However, some combination cold medicines contain pain relievers and it may be necessary to lower the dose of your pain medicine.

Many combination medicines for colds, menstrual pain, headaches, and joint or muscle aches contain aspirin. Cancer patients are usually told to avoid aspirin, especially if they recently have been on chemotherapy.

Over-the-counter medicines for allergies may cause you to feel drowsy. Some pain medicine can also cause sleepiness. Taking them together can make it dangerous to drive or to operate machinery.

Before you take any nonprescription medicine, it's a good idea to read the label and seek the advice of a health professional if there's anything you don't understand.