Tag Archives: chronic pain

Vicodin, Norco (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen): Side Effects & Dosage

What is Vicodin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain-reliever and a cough suppressant, similar to codeine. Hydrocodone blocks the receptors on nerve cells in the brain that give rise to the sensation of pain. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). Acetaminophen works by …

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Percocet for Pain: Side Effects, Dosage & Addiction

What is Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)? Oxycodone is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. Is Percocet available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Percocet? Yes Why is Percocet prescribed to patients? Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is prescribed for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. QUESTION Medically speaking, the …

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Benzodiazepines vs. Narcotics (Opioids): Addiction & Side Effects

Facts on benzodiazepines vs. narcotics (opioids) Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness and are used to treat insomnia, seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Narcotic (opioid) analgesics are used to treat moderate to severe pain. Both benzodiazepines and narcotics (opioids) are common drugs of …

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Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Treatment, Cause, Symptoms

Tennis elbow facts Tennis elbow is tendinitis of the outer elbow. Strain of an elbow tendon causes tennis elbow. Risks of tennis elbow include activities that can strain the elbow. Tennis elbow symptoms include dull pain and tenderness at the outer elbow often with a sensation of weakness and stiffness. A physician uses a patient's history and physical examination to …

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Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone Differences in Side Effects

Oxycodone vs. hydrocodone comparison of differences and similarities Oxycodone (OxyContin, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, Roxybond) and hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) are strong prescription opioid (narcotic) pain relievers similar to morphine, fentanyl, and methadone. These narcotics are prescribed to manage acute or chronic, moderate to severe pain in people who need to take pain medication over a long period of time, and other …

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oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone) Side Effects and Dosage

What is oxycodone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oxycodone is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The precise mechanism of action (how it works) is not known, but it may involve stimulation of opioid receptors in the brain. Oxycodone does not eliminate the sensation of pain but decreases discomfort by …

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Tommy John Surgery (Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction)

Tommy John surgery (ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction) facts Share Your Story The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the major stabilizer of the elbow. UCL injury is an overuse injury, most often caused by the repetitive motion of throwing. Symptoms include pain over the medial part of the elbow that worsens with throwing and gets better with rest. Usually, health care …

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acetaminophen (Tylenol) Side Effects (Liver Toxicity) and Dosage

What is acetaminophen? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. It may reduce the production of prostaglandins in the brain. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain …

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Gabapentin vs. Baclofen: Differences in Nerve Pain Drugs

What’s the Difference Between Gabapentin and Baclofen? Gabapentin and baclofen are used off-label to treat nerve pain (neuralgia). Gabapentin is an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication used to prevent seizures and to treat post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat skeletal muscle spasms, muscle clonus, rigidity, and pain caused by disorders …

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Gabapentin vs. Tramadol: Differences in Pain Medications

What’s the Difference Between Gabapentin and Tramadol? Gabapentin and tramadol are used to treat different types of pain. Gabapentin is an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication used to prevent seizures and to treat post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Tramadol is an opioid pain reliever (analgesic) used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain. Brand names for gabapentin …

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