Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain relief are often incorporated in our interventional pain management patient’s care plans. OTCs can be safer and more effective than opioids for treating pain for a number of reasons.
- Effectiveness: Some medical studies have found OTCs are as effective as opioids for treating pain. Under the supervision of an interventional pain management physician, some patients may get greater pain relief than opioids by using acetaminophen and ibuprofen together for some conditions.
- Side effects: Opioids can have any side effects, including sedation, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
- Safety: Acetaminophen is generally safer than other pain relievers as it doesn’t cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding.
There are many other options which can be combined with OTC medications to relieve pain including heat or ice therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture and exercise.
