How can Pain be Relieved?
The only way pain can be relieved is by waiting for the problem to go away or by controlling the receptors that pick up chemicals released in response to pain, such as histamine, serotonin, and prostaglandin. This can be done using many different types of medications such as NSAIDs, opioids, and corticosteroids.
NSAIDs:
Opioids:
An opioid, also known as a narcotic, is a type a pain reliever that is typically prescribed for people in a lot of pain, or are going to be in a lot of pain, such as people going into and coming out of surgery. Common drugs in this class are hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.
Hydrocodone: This opioid is commonly used with acetaminophen (the combination is known as Vicodin) for helping to relieve moderate to moderately-severe pain. It is commonly prescribed for dental and injury related pain. Codeine: Codeine is another opioid that is commonly used to relieve mild pain, coughing, and severe diarrhea. Morphine: Morphine is another common opioid that is typically used after surgery to help relieve moderate to severe pain. There is both short-lasting to be taken as needed and long-lasting for constant pain. Opioids help to relieve pain by binding to special proteins called opioid receptors. The medication mimics the natural chemicals produced by the body and, once the drug binds to the receptors, it sends false messages and causes the brain to perceive pain differently. The drug also blocks pain signals between the spinal cord and brain (known as analgesia). Opioids also make the brain release larger amounts of dopamine, one of the "feel-good" neurotransmitters of the body creating a "rush" of pleasure and decreased breathing rate. It is because of the sense of pleasure that many people abuse this type of drug. Overuse/ over dosage of this drug can lead to severe respiratory depression and death. |