Medication
Analgesic drugs or what are referred to as pain killers are the cornerstone ofpain treatment. They are the first line of therapy. These drugsoften are most effective to manage the acute pain and they also provide good relief for patients suffering from chronic pain.
The selection of particular drugs, their dosage and method of administration depend on the individual patient’s needs. The aim is to keep the patient alert and pain free so as to allow them to carry on with their normal life.
They are available in the form of tablets, controlled release morphine tablets, lollypops, mixtures, skin patches, sublingual tablets, nasal sprays, suppositories or injections and are given bythe simplest route possible.
Continuous pain needs continuous pain relief and pain medications are best taken on a regular schedule as per pain physician advice. The right drug in the right dose given at the right time can relieve 80-90% of pain.
However use of these drugs for long period can be limited by side effects such as stomach upset, constipation, dizziness, sleepiness, vomiting and may lead to ulcers.
