Also tell your doctor if the side effects of your therapy are bothersome - or unacceptable. Work with your doctor to find the therapy that's best for you. This may mean adjusting the dose, or switching to a different type of pain medicine. Keep in mind that medication is only one aspect of effective pain management. Ask your doctor if nondrug treatments such as physical therapy, exercise, or relaxation techniques would be helpful in your case.
Most pain medications cause side effects, some more serious than others.
The other types of commonly prescribed pain drugs have different kinds of side effects, including constipation, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Sometimes side effects occur when you begin therapy and go away after your body gets used to the medication. Certain types of pain medicine can also cause physical dependence. Although uncommon, there is a risk of seizure associated with some centrally acting analgesics. Also, taking pain medications above the recommended dosage increases the risk of seizures.