Medication Management
At Interventional Pain Associates, chronic pain is treated by a multimodal approach which include both interventional pain procedures and medicine management. Given the chronic nature of many pain conditions, medications are frequently a first line of treatment. However, finding an effective medication takes a trial and error approach and can at times be frustrating to both the patient and the doctor. In addition, the side effects of many medications can be problematic.
Types of Medications for Pain
The types of medications most commonly prescribed include:
Antidepressants such as Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline and Cymbalta.
Anticonvulsants (also called neuroleptic medications) such as gabapentin (Neurontin),and Lyrica.
Muscle Relaxants such as Cyclobenzaprine, Tizanidine, Robaxin and Skelaxin.
Opioids though not recommended as a first line of treatment may be given in conjunction with other’ treatment modalities. Opioids are also prescribed for post-operative pain management and acute pain.
Ketamine is used in chronic pain for pain control, and improves neuroplasticity. It is also being used for PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Medication is not the only option for pain!
There are many things that may help with your pain which do not involve medications. These things may help relieve some pain and reduce the medications required to control your pain.
