Chronic pain sufferers have many options when it comes to getting help. Modern medicine and pharmacology have virtually removed the need to live with pain and physicians can now prescribe a wide variety of treatment approaches. Whether you are suffering from chronic back, neck, muscle and joint pain or even migraines, there are several medications can be used safely to manage chronic pain. Below is a brief introduction to some of the most common pain medications and the conditions they are most often used for.



Tramadol (Ultram)

Tramadol is most frequently marketed in the United States under the brand name Ultram. It is also available under other brand names such as Adolan, Tradol and Tradolan. Tramadol is an opiate similar to morphine but with about 10% of the potency. It is one of the few pain medications of this class that is not classified as a controlled substance in the United States (in some countries it can actually be obtained without a prescription). It is most often prescribed for all moderate to severe chronic pain that requires constant treatment.

Butalbital (Fioricet)

Butalbital, most often prescribed under the brand name Fioricet, is a leading prescription pain medication for migraine headaches and other forms of chronic pain. Fioricet is a barbituate and is often combined with other pain relief medications such as acetaminophen and codeine (and sometimes even caffeine). Fioricet is available in capsule, tablet and liquid form. It is suggested that Fioricet be taken as close to the initial feelings of pain as possible to for maximum effect. Other brand names include Anolor, Margesic, Phrenilin and Esgic Plus.

Carisoprodol (Soma)

Carisopridol, most often sold and marketed as Soma in the United States has become a very popular chronic pain medication in recent times. Classified as a muscle relaxer, Soma is most often prescribed for chronic and intense muskoskeletal pain in adults. Carisoprodol has demonstrated possible habit forming qualities but is widely prescribed. It is often available in combinations with other medications such as aspirin and codeine. The main effect of Soma is to block pain sensations in the brain that originate in the nervous system. Soma works very fast (within 30 mins) and usually lasts for up to 6 hours.

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Celebrex is the brand name for Celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory pain medication that is non-steroidal in nature. Celebrex is now one of the leading medications for chronic pain prescribed for the relief of sever arthritis pain. It is also frequently used to treat pre-cancerous polyps in the intestine. Upset stomach is the most often reported side effect of Celebrex and it should never be crushed, chewed or broken prior to use. Celebrex blocks hormones in the body that lead to inflammation and pain.

Vicodin (Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone)

Vicodin has been prescribed widely for chronic pain in recent times. It is a combination of Acetaminophen and the opiate Hydrocodone. The mixture of these two medications has proven to be much more effective than using either by itself. It works by lowering pain inducing hormones and blocking pain receptors in the brain. Vicodin has shown habit forming qualities and should only be taken as prescribed.

These chronic pain medications simply represent the most often prescribed drugs for pain relief. If you are unfortunate enough to be suffering from chronic pain, it is important to consult with a physician prior to engaging any prescription painkillers. Depending on your situation, other medications that you use and your medical history, some of these medications may be inappropriate.