Medications
Medication is often used to help people with persistent pain improve their function. The goal of using medications is to reduce your pain to a manageable level so that you are able to go to school or work, be with your friends, family and/or partner and do activities that you enjoy.
This section will describe different types of medications, and how they can be used as part of your treatment plan. As you read through the material, remember that not all pain needs to be managed with medications and not all pain medications are appropriate for all age groups, or for all types of chronic pain. Some medications are not advised for those under the age of 18 (for example, the Fentanyl patch).
In this section, you will learn:
about the common medications to treat chronic pain
how medications work in your body
how to take medications, including any special things to do or watch for
what common side effects to expect
why it is important to talk with your healthcare team about your medication plan and any questions or challenges you have.
Important: The information on this website is for education purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner if you wish to stop or change your medications.