Side Effect of Joint Pain Drugs

Joint pain usually can be effectively controlled with over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Joint pain medications can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe in some patients. Talk with your doctor about any concerns.

Types

• Over-the-counter drugs are typically the first choice in controlling joint pain. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen are all available without a prescription. Narcotic painkillers are typically reserved for severe joint pain.

Function

• Most joint pain drugs work by decreasing inflammation and relieving pain. Some drugs, such as acetaminophen, work only as pain relievers. Narcotic painkillers only help ease pain, but they do not treat the cause of the pain and usually carry more side effects.

Side Effects

• Acetaminophen can cause liver damage and stomach bleeding in large doses or when used with alcohol. Side effects of ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs include rash, drowsiness, gastrointestinal problems and headaches. Narcotic painkillers can cause dependency, weakness, confusion, itching, slowed breathing and gastrointestinal problems.

Considerations

• Patients should consult with their doctors to evaluate their joint pain before taking any medication. The cause of the pain often dictates what drugs would be the most helpful with the least side effects.

Warning

• Some pain-relieving drugs can cause other side effects when combined with certain other medications or when taken improperly. Patients should always take medication exactly as directed and disclose any current medications to their doctors to prevent harmful interactions.