Best Narcotic Pain Medications

Description

Narcotic pain medications are strong pain relievers widely used to treat back pain. These medications change the perception of pain by weakening pain signals to the brain. Emotions are also affected, leading to a feeling of enhanced well-being and sleepiness in many patients.

See Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain

Narcotic pain medications are medically termed opioids, and may be referred to as painkillers. They are derived from opium or made synthetically. Some narcotic pain medications contain both opium-derived and synthetic material.

Use of these medications has increased rapidly in recent years. The narcotic medication hydrocodone/acetaminophen, better known by the brand name Vicodin, Lortab, or Norco, was the second-most commonly prescribed drug in the United States in 2014.

Because of the potential side effects, risks, and complications of opioids, and the body’s increasing tolerance to opioids over time, these medications are most clearly indicated for treatment of short-term intense pain, such as acute postoperative pain. If used to treat pain for longer periods, close monitoring is essential.

See Pain Killer Addiction Treatment

This article includes the potential risks and complications of narcotic pain medications and information on safe use.

Article continues below

Common Types of Narcotic Pain Medications

Narcotic pain relievers vary in strength and have different uses. They are often available in extended-release form, which is convenient for those taking them over a long period of time.

Narcotic pain relievers are classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency based on their medical benefits and potential for abuse or dependence. The classification goes from Schedule I to Schedule V, with the drugs considered most dangerous having the lowest numbers.

Common narcotic pain medications include:

Schedule II
Fentanyl (brand names Actiq, Abstral, Duragesic, Fentora, Lazanda, Subsys) is designed for cancer patients who have flares of pain (sometimes called breakthrough pain) that is not controlled by other medications. It is available as a nasal spray, tablets, lozenges, and as a patch. Fentanyl is a stronger pain medication than morphine or heroin, and distribution of some forms is restricted.
Hydrocodone (brand names Hysingla ER, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin, Zohydro ER, and others) is often combined with acetaminophen—as in the brand name Vicodin—or other non-narcotic medication, and is designed for pain that is moderate to moderately severe.

See Acetaminophen for Back Pain
Hydromorphone (brand names Dilaudid, Exalgo) is intended for moderate to severe pain. It is available in multiple forms, including liquid and tablets. Extended-release forms are also offered.
Meperidine (brand names Demerol, Meperitab) is advised for moderate to severe pain, and is available as a syrup, injectable solution, or tablet.
Methadone is used to treat pain as well as for detoxification from other narcotics, such as heroin. It is available as a tablet, liquid, or a small disc that can be added to water or certain other liquids.
Morphine (brand names Kadian, MS Contin, MorphaBond, Roxanol, and others) is commonly used to treat intense pain related to surgery. Patients may be given this medication for a short time intravenously in the hospital. It is also available as a tablet, oral solution, and in other forms. Extended release formulations are other options.

See Medications for Neuropathic Pain
Oxycodone (brand names OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, and others) is often combined with a non-narcotic pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. It is available in different forms, including as an oral solution and tablets. Extended-release tablets are also available. Oxycodone is an option for moderate to severe pain.
Oxymorphone (Opana), is advised for moderate to severe pain. The extended-release form of this medication, Opana ER (oxymorphone hydrochloride), is being taken off the market by its manufacturer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had earlier said the risks related to abuse of Opana ER outweighed the benefits, and asked that it no longer be sold.
Tapentadol (brand name Nucynta) is intended for moderate to severe pain. Extended-release tablets are available.

Schedule III
Buprenorphine (BuTrans/Belbuca) relieves moderate to severe pain and is also used to treat opioid addiction. It is available as a tablet and as various films that dissolve in the mouth.

Schedule III and Schedule V
Codeine is often combined with non-narcotic pain medications, such as acetaminophen. It is sometimes sold in a liquid form for coughs, and is typically used for less serious pain. Codeine is sold in multiple forms, including as a tablet, suspension, and liquid. Codeine may be best known for its use as a cough syrup. Codeine tablets are classified as Schedule III and codeine liquid is Schedule V.