NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) Examples include celecoxib (Celebrex®), diclofenac (Zorvolex®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), meloxicam (Mobic®), naproxen (Aleve®), and piroxicam (Feldene®) |
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Antidepressants SNRI (serotonin and norepinepherine reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants
Examples include amitriptyline (no brand name), desipramine (Norpramin®), imipramine (Tofranil®), and nortriptyline (Aventyl®, Pamelor®)
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Note: Some antidepressants may help treat pain. Taking an antidepressant for low back pain does not mean that the problem is in your mind. |
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Opioids Examples include tramadol, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, and oxycodone |
Warning: Opioids can have serious side effects, such as abuse, addiction, and overdose. Overdose can lead to death. |
Tramadol helps to reduce pain in the short term (up to 4 months). Other opioids help a little to reduce pain in the short term (up to 4 months). Current research does not show that opioids work or are safe in the long term (longer than 4 months).
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