PAIN
Pain may be caused for many reasons, a disease, arthritis or an injury. With all of the available prescription drugs to control pain, no one needs to suffer.
Here you will find many drugs that are commonly prescribed for pain management.
Celebrex Drug Info
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CELECOXIB - ORAL (sell-eh-COX-ib)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celebrex
USES: This medication is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and inflammation (swelling).
It is used to treat pain, swelling and stiffness due to arthritis. This drug works
by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins
helps to reduce pain and swelling.
HOW TO USE: Take by mouth, generally once or twice daily, as directed by your
doctor. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken with
food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take
this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at
least 30 minutes after taking this drug.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, diarrhea, gas or nausea may occur. If these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report
promptly: unusual fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, severe headache, unexplained
weight gain, change in amount of urine. If you notice any of the following unlikely
but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or
pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit
that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction
to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially allergies
to drugs such as sulfas or NSAID like ibuprofen), kidney problems, liver problems,
heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, swelling (edema), blood disorders
(anemia), serious infections, stomach problems (bleeding or ulcers), asthma, growths
in the nose (nasal polyps), dehydration, poorly controlled diabetes. This medicine
may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with
this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor
or pharmacist for more information. This medication should be used only when clearly
needed during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during
the last 6 months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when this drug is used in
the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you use, especially of: fluconazole, lithium, "water pills" (diuretics, e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide),
drugs for high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), corticosteroids
(e.g., prednisone), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), NSAID (e.g.,
ibuprofen, naproxen). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels
carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen,
naproxen, or aspirin) that are similar to this drug. Aspirin, as prescribed by
your doctor for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these
dosages are 81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit,
dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or
slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe
headache or loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may
be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is
near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 - 30 degrees C) away
from light and moisture.
Ultram Drug Info
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise
and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It
should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
TRAMADOL - ORAL (TRAH-muh-dall)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ultram
USES: Tramadol is used for pain relief.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as prescribed. It is usually
taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period
of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used
for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your
doctor's approval. When used for extended periods, this medication may not work
as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication
stops working well.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause dizziness, weakness, incoordination, nausea or vomiting,
stomach upset, constipation, headache, drowsiness, anxiety, irritability, dry
mouth, or increased sweating. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform
your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects while
taking this medication: chest pain, rapid heart rate, skin rash or itching, mental
confusion, disorientation, seizures, tingling of the hands or feet, trouble breathing.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease,
seizure disorder, lung disease, history of drug or alcohol dependency, any allergies
you may have. Limit alcohol as it may add to the dizziness or drowsiness effects
caused by the medication. Because this drug may make you dizzy/drowsy, use caution
performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving. This medication should be
used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. Tramadol is excreted into breast milk. Because the effects on
a nursing infant are not known, consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep, antidepressants
(e.g., SSRI-types such as fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric
medicine (e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type drugs, anti-anxiety drugs
(e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report use of certain antihistamines (e.g.,
diphenhydramine) which are also present in many cough-and-cold products. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body
temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness,
deep sleep, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take
it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the
reach of children.
Vioxx Drug Info
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
ROFECOXIB - ORAL (row-feh-COX-ib)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vioxx
USES: This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves
pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, menstrual pain
or other acute pain. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that
makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.
HOW TO USE: Take this drug by mouth, generally once daily as directed. To decrease the chance of stomach upset, this drug is best taken with food. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
therapy. Take this medication with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not
lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset or tiredness may occur. If these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: severe headache,
change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes, very stiff neck. Very unlikely
but report promptly: dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. If you notice any of
the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and
consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/
abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. In the unlikely event you
have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially to aspirin/other NSAIDs), liver problems,
kidney problems, heart disease, stomach/intestinal ulcers or bleeding, history
of smoking, alcoholism, asthma, high blood pressure, growths in the nose (e.g.,
nasal polyps), serious infections, swelling (edema), blood disorders (anemia),
poorly controlled diabetes, dehydration. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding.
Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase
your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more
information. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly, as this
group may be more sensitive to drug side effects. This medication should be used
only when clearly needed during the first six months of pregnancy. It should not
be used during the last three months of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug
is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially of: high blood pressure drugs, (e.g., ACE inhibitors
such as lisinopril), water pills (diuretics such as furosemide or thiazides),
aspirin or other NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen), lithium, methotrexate, corticosteroids
(e.g., prednisone), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin).
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many
contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or
aspirin) which are similar to this drug. Aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor
for reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are
81-325 mg per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for
more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool,
ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat,
muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss
of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory or medical tests may be performed
to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of
the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do
not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Flexeril Drug Info
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
CYCLOBENZAPRINE - ORAL (sye-klo-BENZ-uh-preen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flexeril
USES: This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort associated with strains,
sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries.
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take this medication
as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset,
heartburn, constipation, headache, dizziness or drowsiness or dry mouth the first
few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or
become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: muscle stiffness,
skin rash, itching, rapid heart rate, swelling of the face, difficulty urinating.
When rising quickly from a sitting or lying position, dizziness or lightheadedness
may occur. Change positions slowly and use caution on stairs. Avoid activities
requiring alertness if dizziness or drowsiness occurs. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: glaucoma, an overactive
thyroid gland, heart disease, difficulty urinating, any allergies. Inform your
doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before taking this drug.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medications you take, especially of: cimetidine, antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, narcotic pain medication
(e.g., codeine), anti-allergy drugs, drugs used for asthma, cough-and-cold medicines.
Alcohol adds to the dizziness and drowsiness caused by cyclobenzaprine. Limit
alcohol intake. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, fast or irregular heartbeat,
enlarged pupils, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not use for longer than 3 weeks unless specifically instructed to do
so. This medication provides temporary relief and must be used in addition to
rest, physical therapy and other measures. Do not allow anyone else to take this
medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for
the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Skelaxin Drug Info
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Parafon Forte DSC, Robaxin, Skelaxin
USES: This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort associated
with strains, sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries.
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or immediately after meals to prevent
stomach upset. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or take it for
a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause stomach upset, heartburn, constipation, headache,
dizziness or drowsiness the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor
if you develop: persistent stomach pain, skin rash, itching, rapid heart rate,
yellowing of eyes or skin. May discolor urine. This will disappear when the medication
is stopped. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug,
seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash,
itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: seizures, kidney
or liver disease, any drug allergies. Alcoholic beverages may increase the dizziness/drowsiness
effects of this drug. Limit alcohol intake. Use caution engaging in activities
requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. When arising quickly
from a sitting or lying position, this drug may cause dizziness/lightheadedness.
Change positions slowly. This medication should be used during pregnancy only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not
known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you take including any medication
such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotics (pain medication), sleeping pills,
medication for seizures, depression, allergies, hay fever, colds. Do not start
taking any of the drugs mentioned above without consulting your doctor. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness or unconsciousness.
NOTES: This medication provides temporary relief and must be used in addition to rest, physical therapy and other measures
as directed by your doctor. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered within 1 hour. Otherwise skip that dose and resume usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30
degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Soma Drug Info
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
CARISOPRODOL - ORAL (kar-iss-oh-PRO-dole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Soma
USES: This medication relaxes muscles and relieves pain and discomfort associated with strains,
sprains, spasms or other muscle injuries. Muscle relaxers are for specific muscle
injury and pain and should not be used for general body aches and pains.
HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken
with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. Take this as directed.
Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. This medication
provides temporary relief and must be used in addition to rest, physical therapy
and other measures. Because this medication makes an injury temporarily feel better,
do not attempt to lift or exercise too soon. Follow your doctor's instructions
for recovery.
SIDE EFFECTS: This
medication may cause stomach upset, heartburn, headache, dizziness or drowsiness.
If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Inform your
doctor promptly if you develop: persistent stomach pain, rapid heart rate. In
the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any liver or
kidney disease, blood disorders, porphyria, asthma, any allergies. When rising
quickly from a sitting or lying position, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur.
Change positions slowly. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness
(such as driving) if this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy. Limit alcohol intake
while taking this medication. This drug should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Carisoprodol
is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may take including: sedatives,
tranquilizers, sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, medication for depression
and certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Many cough-and-cold products
contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness. Check labels carefully and
consult your pharmacist if you have any questions. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness or drowsiness,
fainting, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, fast heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as
soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until
later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C)
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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