Nonopioid Medications for Pain Management

1. Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors and Acetaminophen

This chapter will explain the cyclooxygenase inhibitors and the drug acetaminophen, including their pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, routes, and adverse responses or side effects. This chapter will also review the pain conditions that are targeted by these drugs.

2. Antidepressants

This chapter will explain the most commonly used antidepressants in pain management, including their pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, routes, and adverse responses or side effects. This chapter will explain the rationale for prescribing this type of medication to address pain by addressing the factors that are associated with the chronic pain condition.

3. Anticonvulsants

This chapter will explain the most commonly used anticonvulsants (including the gabapentinoids) in pain management, including their pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, routes, and adverse responses or side effects. This chapter will explain the rationale for prescribing this type of medication to address pain, prevent pain, and improve sleep.

4. Other Nonopioids

This chapter will explore the use of other nonopioids such as alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, ketamine, and capsaicin. This chapter will explain the rationale for using these other types of nonopioids as adjuncts to manage pain and reduce the amount of opioids needed for pain control.

5. Interventional Procedures

This chapter will explore the use of interventional pain management using local and epidural medication routes for patients in the hospital setting. This chapter will also discuss the roles the interdisciplinary team members have in this modality of pain management.