Using Medications to Treat Your Pain
Pain can range from mild to very severe. There are many pain medications
available to treat different types and levels of pain. It is important to keep in
mind that everyone’s pain control plan is different. When pain is not treated
properly people can feel tired, depressed, angry, worried, or stressed. When pain
is managed properly you can enjoy family activities, sleep better, be active and
overall, feel good.
Don’t wait! Pain is easier to treat when it is mild. Here’s why.
You may believe that you should only ask for help when the pain becomes unbearable. Don’t
wait until your pain in severe before taking your medication. Pain is easier treated when it is
mild. If you wait too long, the pain may be harder to control and it may take longer for the
medications to relieve the pain. The goal of treating pain is to prevent it from occurring at all.
What types of medications control pain?
Different pain medications are often used to control
the pain and make you feel more comfortable .
Opioids/Analgesics are most often used to control moderate to
severe pain. They are also called opioid analgesics or narcotics.
Opioids reduce or sometimes block the pain, so that you no
longer notice it.
Some names of opioids are: Morphine, Hydromorphone,
Oxycodone, Fentanyl
“Will my pain go away
right away?”
It may take a few days for
you and your healthcare
team to find the right
amount (dose) of
medication you need. Your
dose should be enough to
control pain right through
until the next dose.
Adjuvant pain medications may also be prescribed for you.
"Adjuvant" medications will help to control your pain in a
different way. It is important to take them as it says on the label, even if they do not seem to be
helping the pain right away. They can take some time, even weeks, to be effective.
Some names of adjuvant medications are: Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), anti-inflammatory
medications, antidepressants (not to treat depression, but for managing nerve pain.)
Some pain medicines may cause side effects.
 Constipation (trouble
passing stools)
 Drowsiness (feeling
sleepy)
 Nausea (upset stomach)
 Vomiting (throwing up)
Usually many of these side effects last only a few days but
if they last longer, speak to your doctor or nurse.
Constipation is easier to prevent than treat so your doctor
will talk to you about ways to relieve this and the other
side effects.
Your doctor may change your medication or add another
medicine to control the side effects. Don't let side effects
stop you from getting your pain managed to a comfortable
level.
Taking your medications – your role in managing pain.
When your healthcare team prescribes medication for you, take it as directed. This will help
keep the medication in your body at the same level and make sure that the pain control is
constant.
Don’t just stop taking a medication if you are worried about taking it or having side effects from
it. A sudden change in medication levels may produce unpleasant side effects. Talk to your
healthcare team first and discuss other choices together.
You’re not alone! Tell your healthcare team if you experience any of the
following:



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Your pain isn't getting better or going away.
Your pain medicine doesn't work as fast as your doctor/nurse said it would.
You have breakthrough pain (pain that happens before your next dose of
medication.)
You have side effects that don't go away.
Pain interferes with your normal activities of living e.g., eating, sleeping, or
working.
The schedule or the way you take the medication is not working for you.
References:
Canadian Cancer Society. (2004). “Pain Relief: A Guide for People with Cancer”. Toronto, Canada: Canadian Cancer
Society | National Cancer Institute. (2010). “Pain Control: Support for People with Cancer”.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/paincontrol.pdf | Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (2002).
“Assessment and Management of Pain”. Toronto, Canada: Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.
Review Date: May/2012
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