You might be prescribed an adjuvant analgesic in addition to otherpain medicationsor on its own.
They also have a role in treating cancer pain.
Unlike many other non-opioid analgesics, adjuvant analgesics are not available over the counter.
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Better sleep can, in turn, help lower pain levels.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants can also be used to treat chronic pain.
Anticonvulsants work by not allowing certain types of nerve transmissions.
They can also reduce neuropathic pain by lessening signals from injured nerves.
These drugs are also commonly used for treating CRPS and cancer pain.
Side effects are more likely with long-term use, so corticosteroids are generally recommended for short-term treatment.
When they are used for long-term therapy, healthcare providers should monitor patients closely.
Corticosteroids are also availablevia injectionand fortopical use.
Common corticosteroids are:
Antispasmodics
This class of drugs is also known as muscle relaxants.
Skeletal muscle antispasmotics are a common choice for musculoskeletal conditions, especially if physical therapy hasn’t been successful.
They’re also used for injuries such as sprains.
These medications are applied directly to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream.
They may be available as creams, ointments, orpatches.
Both over-the-counter and prescription forms are available.
Capsaicin cream, which is made from the “hot” component of chili peppers, is a counterirritant.
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are used for pain from CRPS and cancer that has spread to the bone.
Common bisphosphonates include high-doseFosamax (alendronate)and the intravenous drug Aredia (pamidronate).
Examples of these drugs areketamineand dextramethorphan (a liquid form of which is used as a cough syrup).
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