﻿ Pain Management Over-The-Counter - Chronic Pain Center: Information on Pain Management - Page 3

Pain Management Over-The-Counter (cont.)

Dr. Lee: How are over-the-counter NSAIDs different from NSAIDs that need prescriptions from the doctor?

Dr. Shiel: In fact, many over-the-counter NSAIDs have the same active ingredients as prescription NSAIDs. The difference is in the amount of active ingredient contained in each tablet or capsule, and in the dosing requirements (how often one has to take these per day).

For example, Aleve is available over-the-counter and contains 220mg of naprosen sodium per pill, while Naprosyn needs a doctor's prescription and may contain 375mg or 500 mg per pill.

Dr. Lee: Let me get back to the over-the-counter pain relievers. How is acetaminophen different from NSAIDs?

Dr. Shiel: Acetaminophen reduces pain and fever by acting on the brain. NSAIDs reduce pain and fever by reducing prostaglandin production and inflammation at the site of pain (ankle, knee, shoulder, etc.) Acetaminophen is generally considered easier on the stomach than NSAIDs.

Dr. Lee: How is aspirin different from the other NSAIDs like Aleve, Motrin or Advil?

Dr. Shiel: Aspirin, Aleve, Advil/Motrin are similar in reducing pain, fever and inflammation. But aspirin has more prolonged anti-platelet effect than the other NSAIDs.

Platelets are small particles in the blood that initiate blood clot formation. For example, a heart attack is usually caused by a blood clot blocking the flow of blood in an artery to the heart. Aspirin inhibits the platelets from forming blood clots, and therefore is being used in low dose to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

The other NSAIDs also have anti-platelet effects. But their anti-platelet action does not last nearly as long as aspirin

Dr. Lee: Bill, how does one go about choosing an OTC pain reliever?

Dr. Shiel: Different people respond differently to pain relievers. Therefore, choosing the right pain reliever can be somewhat of a trial and error process. I recommend that patients use the pain reliever that has worked for them in the past. This will increase the likelihood of effectiveness and decrease the risk of any side effects.

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