Medications

What They Do

Possible Side Effects

Analgesics (non-opioid and NSAID)

Remove feelings of pain. Used for mild to moderate pain. May prevent joint and soft tissue inflammation.

Nausea, stomach pain, ulcers, indigestion, diarrhea, bleeding, kidney or liver problems.

Opioids

A type of analgesic. Remove feelings of pain. Used for moderate to severe pain.

Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, slowed breathing.

Other Medications (steroids, antiemetics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants)

Reduce swelling, burning or tingling pain. Limit certain side effects of pain medications.

Your health care provider will explain the possible side effects of these medications.

Anesthetics

Stop pain signals from reaching the brain. They block all feeling in the treated area.

Nausea, low blood pressure, fever, slowed breathing, fainting, seizures, heart attack.