It also discusses the potential side effects and problems with the long-term use of NSAIDs.
What Are NSAIDs?
NSAIDs fall under the heading ofnon-opioid analgesicsor non-narcotic pain medications.
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Typically, using NSAIDs for chronic pain is most effective when your pain is mild or moderate.
Unlikeopioids, many NSAIDs can be purchased over the counter.
Ibuprofen and naproxen, both NSAIDs, are readily available in drug and convenience stores.
Prescription-strength NSAIDs for chronic pain are also available if your pain is more severe.
In these cases, NSAIDs may also be combined with opioids to better control your pain.
How NSAIDs Relieve Pain
NSAIDs reduce pain in two ways.
First, they alter the sensation of pain by blocking certain enzymes that participate in the pain response.
This is especially true if you havebreakthrough pain.
However, a long-acting NSAID for chronic pain may be enough to control your symptoms.
COX-2 inhibitorsare a newer punch in of NSAID that selectively targets the COX-2 enzyme to ease pain and inflammation.
COX-2 inhibitors have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional NSAIDs but carry great cardiovascular risks.
Is Long-Term Use Safe?
In addition, non-aspirin NSAIDs can increase your risk of heart attacks and stroke.
All NSAIDs can have negative side effects from chronic use.
The NSAID with the safest cardiovascular profile is naproxen.
COX-2 inhibitors, like Celebrex, are associated with fewer gastrointestinal problems than traditional NSAIDs.
Ibuprofen has the lowest risk of liver damage.
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Merck Manual Professional Version.Treatment of pain.
Cleveland Clinic.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
