pain relief medications (Parkinson’s disease)

Drugs taken to relieve discomfort and pain. Over-the-counter pain medications, called analgesics, are available without a doctor’s prescription. They include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (Naprosyn). These medications are effective for relieving mild to moderate pain such as that of headache, backache, and muscle discomfort. Aspirin and NSAIDs have mild anticoagulation effects (reduce blood clotting) and can irritate the stomach. People who are taking prescription anticoagulants (blood thinners) or prescription medications for osteoarthritis or who have gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) should not use aspirin or over-the-counter NSAIDs.

Prescription medications to treat pain include strong NSAIDs such as oxaprozin (Daypro) and nabumetone (Relafen), often taken for osteoarthri-tis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. These drugs act by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins, hormones that the body produces as part of the inflammatory response. Another class of prescription NSAIDs, the selective COX-2 inhibitors like rofecoxib (vioxx), seem to have less risk of gastritis, and recent animal studies and some retrospective studies of groups of humans suggest that they might have a protective effect against developing Parkinson’s disease. Narcotic pain relievers such as hydrocodone (vicodin) and oxy-codone (Percodan, Percocet) tend to cause or worsen constipation; mild narcotics such as propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet) and acetaminophen with codeine (Tylenol No. 3) are less likely to have this side effect. it is important to drink plenty of fluids when taking any narcotic pain reliever, to minimize the risk for constipation. Narcotics affect the ways in which the brain receives and interprets pain messages from the peripheral nerves.

Muscle relaxants such as clonazepam (Klono-pin) and baclofen (Lioresal) often alleviate discomfort and pain related to muscle spasms, rigidity, and dystonia. They act by slowing nerve stimulation of the muscles, allowing them to relax, return to normal positions, and ease the tension on joints. Tricyclic antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) often relieve chronic pain due to idiopathic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, although doctors do not know exactly why these drugs are effective for pain relief. Narcotic pain relievers, muscle relax-ants, and tricyclic antidepressants commonly cause drowsiness and dullness of thinking, affect balance and coordination. Muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants interact with numerous other medications including anti-parkinson’s MEDICATIONS.

COMMON PAIN RELIEF MEDICATIONS