Cortisone injections: May be considered if oral medications don't improve pain and can provide short-term relief. This involves injecting corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol) around nerves
Antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, etc.): Low doses can relieve certain chronic nerve pains, and must be taken consistently
Gabapentinoids (gabapentin, pregabalin): Provide nerve pain relief, require consistent daily use
Muscle Relaxants: Prescription medications like cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) or diazepam may be recommended for short-term pain related to muscle spasms but sedation and dizziness are common side effects
More powerful narcotics (opioids) (last resort only): Short-term use of opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone should be considered under close supervision as a last resort only if other options are ineffective, but potential side effects and a high risk of addiction exist.
Pain Severity
The choice of pain relief depends on pain severity, for example:
Mild: acetaminophen, NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac.
Moderate: depending on the type of pain, muscle relaxants, gabapentinoids, antidepressants, cortisone injections, or mild opioids, such as codeine or tramadol combined with acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
Severe: Strong opioids (last resort only), such as oxycodone or hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
Drugs used to treat Pain
The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Pain. Their efficacy
may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical,
cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Pain.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
