Nonopioid pain relief medications

A guide for adults living with pain

Pain can make it harder to walk, sleep, work, or enjoy time with family. Non-opioid medicines can help with many types of pain. Some are available without a prescription, while others require one. The best choice depends on what is causing your pain, your health conditions, and the other medicines you take. ^[1,2]

This guide introduces common options and key safety points. A medicine may help you feel more comfortable and do more of the activities that matter to you, even when it does not remove all pain. Every medicine has possible side effects. ^[1,2]

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, often sold as Tylenol, can help with headaches and other common aches. It relieves pain and fever but does not reduce swelling or inflammation. ^[2]

Too much can seriously damage your liver. Follow the label or your prescriber’s instructions, and ask about your total daily limit. Check cold, flu, sleep, and prescription pain products for acetaminophen or “APAP.” Do not combine products containing it unless your clinician or pharmacist confirms the total is safe. Ask before use if you have liver disease or regularly drink alcohol. ^[3]

Medicines that reduce inflammation

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, reduce pain and inflammation. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and prescription medicines such as celecoxib (Celebrex). They may help with arthritis, sprains, strains, and other painful conditions involving inflammation. ^[1,2]

NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney problems, and heart-related problems. Check with your clinician before use if you have kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of ulcers, or take blood thinners. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest needed time. Do not combine two NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, unless specifically instructed. ^[2,4]

Medicines applied to the skin

Creams, gels, and patches can help when pain affects a small area. Choose a product intended for your condition and follow its directions.

Diclofenac gel: An NSAID that may help arthritis pain in joints such as the hands and knees. Check before combining it with an oral NSAID. ^[4]
Lidocaine: Numbs the treated area. Prescription patches can help nerve pain that remains after shingles; some nonprescription products are labeled for minor aches. ^[5]
Capsaicin: May help certain joint or nerve pains. It can cause burning or stinging, and regular use may be needed before it helps. ^[6]

Keep these products away from eyes and broken skin. Do not apply heating pads over treated areas. Follow patch limits and removal times. Stop use and seek medical advice for severe burning, swelling, or blistering. ^[4–6]

Antidepressants used for pain

Some medicines called antidepressants also affect how the nervous system processes pain. They can help even when you do not have depression. Prescribing one for pain does not mean your pain is imagined. ^[7]

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) may help diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and some ongoing muscle or joint pain. Amitriptyline or nortriptyline may be used for selected pain conditions. Benefits can take several weeks. Depending on the medicine, side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, or sleepiness. Do not stop suddenly; ask your prescriber how to reduce the dose safely. ^[7,8]

Antiseizure medicines used for nerve pain

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) can help certain types of nerve pain, such as burning or shooting pain related to diabetes or shingles. Pregabalin is also used for fibromyalgia. They are not appropriate for every kind of back pain or body ache. ^[1,9–11]

These medicines can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and swelling. Tell your prescriber about kidney or lung disease. Serious breathing problems are more likely when these medicines are combined with opioids or other sedating drugs, particularly in older adults or people with breathing conditions. Do not stop suddenly without guidance. ^[9–11]

Muscle relaxants

Medicines such as cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol may be prescribed for a short period when painful muscle spasms are part of the problem. They can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion, which can make falls more likely. Avoid alcohol, and ask your pharmacist about driving and interactions with opioids, sleep medicines, or anxiety medicines. ^[7,12]

A newer option for short term pain

Suzetrigine (Journavx) is a prescription non-opioid medicine approved for moderate to severe acute, or short-term, pain in adults, including pain after surgery. It blocks a specific pain-signaling channel in nerves. Its approved use is for acute pain; treatment beyond 14 days has not been studied. ^[13]

It interacts with several medicines and can affect some hormonal birth control methods. A pharmacist should review your full medicine list. Avoid grapefruit during treatment. Side effects can include itching, rash, and muscle spasms. ^[13]

Make medicine part of your pain care plan

Your plan may also include physical therapy, gentle movement, pacing activities, or skills to manage stress and improve sleep. Choose a goal with your care team, such as walking farther or sleeping with fewer interruptions. Track whether the medicine helps that goal and whether side effects interfere with daily life. Arrange a follow-up if relief is limited or side effects are troublesome. ^[1,14]

Use medicines safely

Review your full medicine list. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements. Ask a pharmacist to check for duplicate ingredients and interactions.
Ask before starting. Tell your clinician about allergies and health conditions, and if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. NSAIDs should generally be avoided from 20 weeks of pregnancy onward unless a clinician specifically advises them. ^[15]
Follow the plan. Do not take extra doses or someone else’s prescription. Keep medicines away from children and pets. If you already take an opioid, discuss any change with your prescriber; do not stop it abruptly on your own. ^[2,14]

Know when to get help

Call 911 for trouble breathing, inability to wake up, or swelling of the face or throat. Seek urgent medical care for vomiting blood or black, tarry stools. If you may have taken too much medicine, get help right away—even if you feel well. In the United States, call Poison Help at 1‑800‑222‑1222. ^[3,4,9,16]

Questions for your care team

Which medicine fits my type of pain? How much should I take, and for how long? When should it start helping? What side effects should I report? Can I safely combine it with my other medicines?

This article provides general education for adults and does not replace personal medical advice. Brand names are examples, not endorsements. Information checked September 25, 2026.