Overview Pharmacological management of pain

Question 1

Examples of NSAID’s

Answer 1

Aspirin, Votaren.

Question 2

Examples of Opioids

Answer 2

Tramadol, Pethidine Hydrochloride, Oxycodone, Codeine Phosphate, MS Contin.

Question 3

Examples of Combination Drugs

Answer 3

Panadeine, Nurofen Plus.

Question 4

Examples of Antidepressants

Answer 4

Amitryptaline, Tofranil, Doxepin.

Question 5

Examples of Anticonvulsants

Answer 5

Neurontin, Gabapentin, Lyrica

Question 6

What type of pain is most effectively treated by the use of select anticonvulsants?

Answer 6

Neuropathic type pain.

Question 7

What is the major problem that can arise when prescribing opioids for analgesia?

Answer 7

Tolerance and dependency. CNS depression, thus respiratory depression if taken in excess.

Question 8

What are some of the indications for the use of anti-depressants in managing chronic pain?

Answer 8

• Arthritis
• Nerve damage from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
• Nerve damage from shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia)
• Nerve pain from other causes (peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, stroke,
radiculopathy)
• Tension headache
• Migraine
• Facial pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Low back pain, Pelvic pain