Download and print this article
DownloadThe type of medicines that you need to treat your pain depend on what type of pain you have.
For pain associated with inflammation, such as back pain or headaches, paracetamol and anti-inflammatory painkillers work best.
If the pain is caused by sensitive or damaged nerves, as is the case with shingles or sciatica, it is usually treated with tablets that change the way the central nervous system works.
The aim of taking medication is to improve your quality of life. All painkillers have potential side effects, so you need to weigh up the advantages of taking them against the disadvantages.
Please seek advice from a doctor if you
This article provides an overview of the main pain medicines available.
Aspirin is another type of NSAID. It has similar side effects as other NSAIDs, but is not as effective a painkiller and is not usually prescribed for pain. It is dangerous for children under 16.
Amitriptyline is a drug for depression and gabapentin is a drug for epilepsy. They can also be used to treat pain caused by nerve sensitivity or nerve damage, such as shingles, diabetes nerve pain and sciatica. They need to be prescribed by your GP. Side effects include drowsiness and dizziness.
This information is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
This article is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.