Arthritis Pain Medications

Did you know that there are more than 100 different arthritis pain medications? The reason being is there are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the most common include Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and Juvenile arthritis.

Arthritis pain medications are classified into eight categories. They include:

Analgesics (Pain Relievers)
Biological Response Modifiers (BRM)
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD)
Fibromyalgia Medications
Glucorticoids (Cortisone related medications)
Gout medications
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)
Osteoporosis Medications

Analgesics are the most common form of arthritis pain medication. Most are available over-the-counter and do not require a prescription. Analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Analgesics that require a prescription include oxycodone, propoxyphene, and codeine. Prescription analgesics can become habit-forming, so be certain to adhere to the dosage prescribed by your physician.

Biological Response Modifiers are substances that modify the body's response to infection and disease. BRMs are sometimes used to treat severe forms of arthritis such as Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Depending on the severity of the symptoms, BRM therapy may require patients to stay in the hospital during treatment. Side effects of BRM therapy include flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and body aches.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs are used to slow the progression of joint destruction and deformity and are generally prescribed to patients who suffer from aggressive forms of arthritis. DMARDs are typically used for long periods of time and may require dosage alterations. Side effects of DMARDs include upset stomach, skin rashes, muscle weakness, and vision changes.

Fibromyalgia medications are basically anti-depressants that affect neurotransmitters, the chemical transmitters within the brain. These medications are usually most effective when combined with other treatment programs such as stress reduction, regular exercise and certain dietary changes.

Glucorticoids are medications that include cortisone and related drugs. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes.

Gout medications are typically prescribed in combination with analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Gout medications are used to treat gout (also called metabolic arthritis), a form of arthritis caused by a congenital disorder of uric acid metabolism.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs are commonly prescribed medications to reduce the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in tendonitis and bursitis. Some of the more common NSAIDs include asprin, Motrin, Advil and Ecotrin. The major side effects of NSAIDs are related to the gastrointestinal system and include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, and upset stomach.

Osteoporosis medications can help slow down the progression of bone loss. Common osteoporosis medications include Actonel, Boniva, Evista and Fosamax. Side effects of osteoporosis medications include upset stomach or pain, constipation, diarrhea, muscle aches and headache.