Drug therapy for pain control falls into three main groups:
- Non-opioids (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
- Opioids,
- Adjunctive painkillers.
The choice of medication must be made by a doctor who is an expert in this field, taking into account the characteristics of the patient. A good painkiller;
- It should be effective when used orally.
- It should have adequate pain-relieving effect.
- It should not cause tolerance or addiction.
- There must be an antidote.
What are the principles of using painkillers?
- Painkillers should always be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- The dosage of painkillers should be adjusted individually for each patient.
- It is given at regular intervals and before the pain begins.
- First of all, it is preferred to give them orally.
Non-opioid painkillers
Non-steroidal painkillers are defined as non-opioid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Non-opioid painkillers are heterogeneous drugs and their chemical structures vary. There is no addiction or tolerance to the drug in patients. The effects of the drugs in this group are as follows: Painkiller Anti-inflammatory Antipyretic Anticoagulant Non-opioid painkillers can also have various side effects. They should definitely be used under the supervision of a doctor, especially due to their side effects on the kidneys and digestive system. Non-opioid drugs used in pain treatment can also be used with opioids depending on the situation.
Opioid painkillers
Opioid is the general name of opium (opium) derivatives and synthetic substances. Morphine and similar natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs are defined as opioids. Opioids are also known as narcotic analgesics. Opioids are also used in pain treatment. In addition to their pain-relieving properties, opioids have effects such as happiness, elimination of anxiety and a sense of calm in addicted individuals. However, in normal individuals, it can have the opposite effect, causing restlessness and fatigue. In elderly patients, it can cause drowsiness. With synthetic opioids, drowsiness is a less common side effect. Opioid painkillers are given especially to cancer patients with very severe pain.
Adjunctive painkillers
The drugs in this group are not actually painkillers. The drugs used with painkillers to increase the effect of the painkillers are called auxiliary painkillers. They are given by the specialist doctor considering the cause of the pain, its type, the symptoms seen with the pain and the general condition of the patient. Another feature of auxiliary painkillers is that they increase the effect of the painkiller they are used with while reducing its dose; thus, the patient is less likely to experience side effects.