by Wood D

Medicine is used to ease symptoms of low back pain and sciatica. Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.

Prescription Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

  • Naproxen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Diclofenac
  • Celecoxib
  • Meloxicam

Opioids

  • Codeine
  • Oxycodone

Antidepressants

  • Fluoxetine
  • Duloxetine
  • Amitriptyline

Muscle relaxants

  • Cyclobenzaprine
  • Diazepam

Over the Counter Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

  • Naproxen
  • Ibuprofen

Pain Relievers

  • Acetaminophen
  • Aspirin
  • Topical pain relievers, such as creams, lotions, ointments, and patches

Prescription Medications

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)

Common names are:

  • Naproxen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Diclofenac
  • Celecoxib
  • Meloxicam

These drugs work to ease the inflammation that causes pain. They are used for both low back pain and sciatica.

Some prescription NSAIDs are higher doses of the ones that are available over the counter. Some come in forms that can be put on the skin.

Problems may be:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Stomach upset
  • Fluid buildup
  • Liver damage
Opioids

Common names are:

  • Codeine
  • Oxycodone

Prescription opioids may be given short-term for severe low back pain and sciatica. Slow-release forms may be used in people who have chronic low back pain.

Problems may be:

  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Problems breathing
  • Abuse or addiction
Antidepressants

Common names are:

  • Fluoxetine
  • Duloxetine
  • Amitriptyline

Antidepressants may be given to ease pain in people with chronic low back pain.

Problems may be:

  • Mood and behavior changes
  • Stomach upset
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dry mouth
  • Problems passing urine or stool (poop)
Muscle Relaxants

Common names are:

  • Cyclobenzaprine
  • Diazepam

Muscle relaxants help calm muscle spasms. They may be given for a short while to ease pain.

Problems may be:

  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Allergic reaction
  • Addiction

Over the Counter Medications

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)

Common names are:

  • Naproxen
  • Ibuprofen

These drugs work to ease the inflammation that causes pain. They are used for both low back pain and sciatica.

Problems may be:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Stomach upset
  • Liver damage
  • Fluid buildup
Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen eases pain differently than NSAIDs. It is used for both low back pain and sciatica. It can cause liver problems or make them worse when a person takes more than they should.

References

Acute low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-low-back-pain. Accessed May 5, 2022.

Chronic low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-low-back-pain. Accessed May 5, 2022.

Low back pain. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/low-back-pain. Accessed May 5, 2022.

Sciatica. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12792-sciatica. Accessed May 5, 2022.

Sciatica. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sciatica. Accessed May 5, 2022.

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