FDA approved pain medications. Pain can affect every aspect of daily life, from work and exercise to sleep and overall well-being. Fortunately, there are many medications available in the United States to help manage different types of pain, including acute injuries, chronic conditions, nerve pain, muscle spasms, migraines, and inflammation. Some medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Below is an overview of commonly used pain-relief medications and related treatments, organized by category to help you better understand the options that may be recommended for different conditions.
Non-opioid pain relievers
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Ketorolac (Toradol)
- Nabumetone (Relafen)
- Etodolac (Lodine)
- Sulindac (Clinoril)
- Piroxicam (Feldene)
- Oxaprozin (Daypro)
Opioid pain medications (prescription only)
- Tramadol (Ultram)
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Norco, Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (Roxicodone)
- Oxycodone/Acetaminophen (Percocet)
- Morphine
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Oxymorphone (Opana)
- Tapentadol (Nucynta)
- Fentanyl (Duragesic)
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine (Belbuca, Butrans)
Medications for nerve pain
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
Muscle relaxants
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
- Baclofen
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
- Metaxalone (Skelaxin)
- Chlorzoxazone
- Orphenadrine
Topical pain medications
- Lidocaine 5% Patch (Lidoderm)
- Diclofenac Gel (Voltaren)
- Capsaicin Cream
- Lidocaine Cream
- Menthol-based topical analgesics
Migraine medications
- Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
- Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
- Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- Eletriptan (Relpax)
- Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)
- Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT)
Related medications often used with pain treatment
- Prednisone
- Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- Dexamethasone
- Colchicine (for gout)
- Allopurinol (gout prevention)
- Naloxone (Narcan) – opioid overdose reversal
- Omeprazole (Prilosec) – often prescribed to reduce NSAID-related stomach irritation
- Pantoprazole (Protonix)
Pain management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The most appropriate medication depends on factors such as the cause and severity of the pain, your medical history, other medications you may be taking, and your overall health. While this list highlights many commonly used pain-relief medications in the United States, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, and use all medicines exactly as directed to help ensure safe and effective treatment.
