HOW well the pain medication works. The kind of pain medicines used depends upon the type and degree of pain. Moderate to severe pain is best treated with opioids, commonly called narcotics. Mild to moderate pain is usually treated with pain medicines that can be used alone or in combination with an opioid. Other drugs such as muscle relaxants may also be added to pain medicines to help control pain.
Antidepressants also can help with some sorts of nerve pain.
Pills or liquids placed under the tongue. One example is the patient controlled pump that gives medication in the vein when you push a button. Medication in a patch applied to the skin to give pain relief for as long as seventy-two hours. Medication in a suppository given through the rectum. Medications that are breathed in through your mouth or nose.