Common Pain Medications for Cancer Pain

Cancer pain depends on a number of factors, including the type of cancer, stage and the patient's tolerance to pain levels. Several common causes of cancer pain include poor circulation because of blocked blood vessels, metastasis and bone fractures, infection, inflammation, treatment side effects, tumors putting pressure on nerves and emotional problems. Pain from cancer is often treated with medication, as the pain results from the physiological stress of the changes in the body.

Anti-Depressants

• Anti-depressants can help relieve nerve pain that occurs from cancer treatment, but may take several weeks to become effective in alleviating cancer pain.

Non-Steroid Medication

• Anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, is often recommended for mild cancer pain. Such medications are available over the counter or by prescription and help reduce swelling and inflammation, while fighting pain.

Opioids

• Analgesics are common medications to block pain in cancer patients. Analgesics function by stopping the pain signals that are sent to the brain or they change the brain's interpretation of the signals. Analgesics include non-narcotic and narcotic analgesics, which range from aspirin to strong opioids like morphine or codeine. Cancer patients often need to find the right combination of medication before they find a method of relief that works for them. Some cancer patients may not be relieved by morphine or vicodin. Patches might be prescribed, such as fentanyl, which is also called Duragesic. Patches provide a sustained release of the drug and are often without the pain of an injection. The patch includes three layers that attach to the skin. Medication is released over the course of a few days.

Steroids

• Steroids are naturally produced by the body, but there are also steroids that can help reduce inflammation and other symptoms. Steroids, like prednisone can help reduce inflammation and ease some cancer pain.

Anti-Convulsants

• Anti-convulsant medications help manage seizures, but also help alleviate nerve pain, which can be effective, especially if a tumor is pressing on surrounding nerves.

Radiopharmaceuticals and Alternatives

• Radiopharmacueticals are medications that help relieve the pain from cancer spread to the bones. Similar medication includes bisophosphanates and calcitonin which help relieve pain from cancer that spread to the bones.