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There are many types of medication available for different chronic pain needs, and with the opioid epidemic making headlines, let’s discuss how non-narcotic pain medication can help instead.
The opioid epidemic is sweeping the nation. There is public outcry, especially in the hardest hit areas.
Legislatures are pushing doctors to help their patients find pain management alternatives, limiting opioids for short-term, specific uses.
But what about those living with chronic pain?
Are there non-narcotic pain medication alternatives that can provide the same relief? Let’s find out.
How Narcotics Work
Narcotic, or opioid, based pain medications do have a place in medical care.
The sad reality is that doctors and pharmaceutical companies were over-prescribing these highly addictive substances.
Because of this, we began to see misuse, dependencies, addictions, overdoses and fatalities.
Medical conditions that cause severe pain do need to be treated; though in many cases stronger drugs can be limited to shorter periods of time.
The most commonly prescribed narcotics include:
Tramadol was at one point not classified in the same tier of narcotics, but has since been moved to a stronger class of regulation.
Pain medications classified as narcotics work by binding themselves to the opioid receptors located throughout the body.
These receptors are responsible for communicating the sensation of pain to the nerves, but narcotics calm the nerves to reduce pain.
Why are Narcotics Addictive?
Anything that alters the way the brain sends signals to the rest of the body should give us cause for pause.
In the case of narcotic drugs, the brain becomes used to the calming and sometimes euphoric sensation. The brain starts to crave the “good” feelings.
Some people become physically dependent on a drug, needing it to function normally. This stage isn’t necessarily a chemical addiction, but can lead to one.
No one really understands why some people become addicted and others don’t.
- Some people have a genetic predisposition, have a family history of drug abuse, or have brain chemistry issues that contribute to their condition.
- Some people can use a drug with no problems while others may try it once and become immediately addicted.
- Most people who use opioid-based drugs as prescribed by their doctors, taking the proper dose at the correct time, will not move on to have complications.
How Non-Narcotic Pain Medication Works
Concerns about the side-effects of narcotics obviously have millions of Americans seeking alternative treatments.
However, those with acute injuries or chronic pain are constantly worried they will not find the relief they need.
There are now a number of great non-narcotic pain medication options on the market, both over-the-counter and by prescription, that can help.
- Analgesics like Tylenol work work by blocking the pain signals your body is sending to the brain.
- Some, like NSAIDS, will alter the way your brain interprets the signals by disrupting the flow of chemicals.
The main difference between these and narcotics is that they do not bind themselves to your opioid receptors, eliminating the risk of addiction.
Some of the most commonly prescribed non-narcotic pain medication include:
There are also a number of topical analgesics, including:
- Camphor
- Capsaicin
- Menthol
While many of these drugs are available OTC, there are some prescription options that you may need to consider.
Prescriptions can give you access to more effective doses, combination drugs, and even different delivery methods. Compounded medications for pain management can be designed specifically for your pain management needs, and are an effective option.
Conclusion
There is a common misconception that all non-narcotic pain medication is completely safe.
While they don’t pose a risk for addiction, failure to follow your physician’s instruction regarding dosage and timing can still cause physical harm.
Regardless of the medicine, your body can only absorb certain amounts of any medication, and overdosing on any drug can make you seriously ill.
However, compounded non-narcotic pain medication options offer another option if you are suffering from acute or chronic pain. If you are, contact Burt’s Pharmacy and Compounding Lab today to see what options you have.