Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. It can result from an injury, surgery, illness, nerve damage, inflammation, or an ongoing health condition. Because pain has many different causes, effective pain management is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Treatment may involve lifestyle measures, physical therapy, psychological approaches, non-opioid medicines, or prescription medications. For some types of severe pain, opioid medicines may have an appropriate role when the expected benefits outweigh the risks. The CDC recommends maximizing appropriate non-pharmacological and non-opioid treatments for many types of pain and considering opioids when their benefits are expected to outweigh their risks.
This guide provides general educational information about pain management and commonly prescribed pain medicines, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), OxyContin, oxymorphone (Opana), Percocet, and gabapentin.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription pain medicines should only be used under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
What Is Pain Management?
Pain management is the process of evaluating, treating, and monitoring pain with the goal of improving comfort and everyday function while minimizing treatment-related risks.
A healthcare professional may consider:
The cause of the pain
How severe the pain is
How long the pain has been present
Whether the pain is acute or chronic
The effect of pain on sleep and daily activities
Existing medical conditions
Current medications
Previous treatment responses
Potential medication interactions
Individual risks associated with particular treatments
Pain management may involve a combination of approaches rather than a single medicine.
Acute Pain vs. Chronic Pain
Acute Pain
Acute pain generally develops suddenly and is associated with a specific event such as an injury, surgical procedure, dental procedure, or illness.
The underlying cause can often be identified and treated, allowing the pain to improve as recovery progresses.
For many common types of acute pain, non-opioid medicines and non-drug treatments can provide effective relief. When opioids are considered necessary, the CDC recommends using them only when expected benefits outweigh risks and prescribing no greater quantity than needed for the expected duration of severe pain.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain persists or recurs over an extended period and may be associated with conditions such as arthritis, nerve disorders, musculoskeletal problems, or other long-term conditions.
Managing chronic pain can be more complex because treatment often involves addressing the underlying condition, physical functioning, sleep, mental wellbeing, and other factors.
The CDC guideline emphasizes that non-opioid therapies are preferred for many patients with subacute and chronic pain.
Types of Pain
Understanding the type of pain can help healthcare professionals determine appropriate treatment.
Nociceptive Pain
This can occur when tissues are damaged or irritated. Examples include pain associated with injuries, inflammation, or surgery.
Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain results from abnormal functioning or damage involving nerves. It may be described as burning, shooting, tingling, or electric-like pain.
Musculoskeletal Pain
This involves muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, or other structures supporting movement.
Post-Surgical Pain
Pain following surgery is generally expected to improve as the body heals, although the intensity and duration vary depending on the procedure and individual circumstances.
Different types of pain can require different treatment strategies.
Non-Opioid Pain Management
Not all pain requires an opioid.
Depending on the underlying condition, healthcare professionals may consider options such as:
Physical therapy
Exercise and movement programs
Heat or cold therapy
Acetaminophen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Certain antidepressants for selected pain conditions
Certain anticonvulsant medicines for neuropathic pain
Behavioral and psychological approaches
Treatment directed at the underlying medical condition
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and characteristics of the pain.
For many common types of acute pain, CDC guidance recommends maximizing appropriate non-opioid and non-pharmacological treatments.
Opioid Pain Medicines
Opioids are powerful prescription medicines that can reduce pain by acting on opioid receptors within the nervous system.
Examples include:
Oxycodone
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Oxymorphone
Morphine
Fentanyl
Opioids can be appropriate for certain patients and circumstances, but they also carry serious risks including misuse, addiction, overdose, and potentially fatal respiratory depression.
For this reason, opioid therapy requires careful medical assessment and monitoring.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid analgesic used for the management of certain types of pain.
It works primarily by activating opioid receptors in the central nervous system, altering how the body perceives and responds to pain.
Oxycodone is available in different formulations and may be used in different clinical circumstances. The appropriate formulation and treatment plan depend on the patient’s condition and the prescribing professional’s assessment.
Potential adverse effects can include:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Respiratory depression
Oxycodone can also cause physical dependence and carries risks of misuse, addiction, and overdose.
Related resource: [Oxycodone Information Page]
OxyContin
OxyContin is an extended-release formulation containing oxycodone.
Because extended-release opioid medicines are designed differently from immediate-release products, they should not be treated as interchangeable.
FDA guidance states that extended-release/long-acting opioid medicines should generally be reserved for severe and persistent pain requiring an extended treatment period when alternative treatment options are inadequate.
Patients should never alter, crush, or otherwise manipulate an extended-release medication unless specifically instructed by their healthcare professional.
Related resource: [OxyContin Information Page]
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is another prescription opioid used for certain types of pain.
Depending on the particular product, hydrocodone may be formulated alone or combined with another medicine.
As with other opioids, potential adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and respiratory depression.
Hydrocodone also carries risks of misuse, dependence, addiction, and overdose.
Related resource: [Hydrocodone Information Page]
Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)
Dilaudid is a brand name associated with hydromorphone, a potent opioid analgesic.
Hydromorphone is used in medical settings for certain severe pain situations. Because it is a potent opioid, careful prescribing, dosing, monitoring, and patient education are particularly important.
Potential adverse effects can include sedation, nausea, constipation, dizziness, and respiratory depression.
Related resource: [Dilaudid Information Page]
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Opana is a brand associated with oxymorphone, an opioid analgesic.
Oxymorphone acts on opioid receptors to reduce the perception of pain.
Because opioid formulations and approvals can change over time and differ between countries, patients should consult current official prescribing information and a healthcare professional regarding availability and appropriate use.
Related resource: [Opana Information Page]
Percocet
Percocet is a prescription combination product containing oxycodone and acetaminophen.
The two ingredients work through different mechanisms to provide analgesic effects.
Because Percocet contains acetaminophen in addition to an opioid, patients need to be aware of the total amount of acetaminophen they receive from all medicines they use.
Taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products without professional guidance can increase the risk of liver injury.
Related resource: [Percocet Information Page]
Gabapentin and Nerve Pain
Gabapentin is not an opioid.
It is an anticonvulsant medicine that is also used for certain types of neuropathic pain.
Because neuropathic pain involves abnormal nerve signaling, medicines such as gabapentin may be considered in appropriate clinical situations.
Gabapentin has important safety considerations. The FDA warns that serious breathing difficulties can occur in patients taking gabapentin who have respiratory risk factors, including concurrent use of opioid pain medicines or other central nervous system depressants.
Therefore, patients should tell their healthcare professional about all medications they take before starting gabapentin or an opioid.
Related resource: [Gabapentin Information Page]
Opioid vs. Non-Opioid Pain Medicines
Category Examples General Role
Opioid analgesics Oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone Certain moderate-to-severe pain situations
NSAIDs Ibuprofen, naproxen Many inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain conditions
Acetaminophen Acetaminophen Various mild-to-moderate pain conditions
Neuropathic-pain medicines Gabapentin and certain other medicines Selected nerve-pain conditions
Non-drug approaches Physical therapy, exercise, behavioral approaches Broad range of pain conditions
No medication is appropriate for every type of pain.
The goal of treatment is to identify the underlying cause and select an approach whose expected benefits justify its potential risks.
Common Side Effects of Opioid Pain Medicines
Common opioid-related side effects can include:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Itching
Confusion
Slowed breathing
FDA safety information emphasizes that opioids can also cause serious problems including misuse, addiction, overdose, and death.
Respiratory depression is particularly serious. Someone who becomes extremely difficult to wake, has unusually slow or difficult breathing, or cannot respond normally may require emergency medical attention.
Opioids, Alcohol, and Other Sedating Medicines
Combining opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants can increase the risk of severe sedation and respiratory depression.
FDA specifically warns about the serious risks associated with combining opioids with benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants.
Patients should therefore tell their healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and recreational substances they use.
This is particularly important when an opioid is being considered alongside gabapentin or another medicine that can depress the central nervous system.
Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction
These terms describe different concepts.
Tolerance
Tolerance can occur when the body becomes accustomed to a medication and the same amount produces less of an effect.
Physical Dependence
Physical dependence means the body has adapted to a medication. Suddenly stopping certain medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction
Addiction, or substance use disorder, involves problematic patterns of use that can include impaired control over use and continued use despite harmful consequences.
These concepts are not interchangeable.
Patients taking opioid medicines for pain should not abruptly change or discontinue long-term opioid treatment without medical guidance.
Opioid Overdose and Naloxone
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
FDA recommends discussing naloxone availability with patients receiving opioid pain medicines and considering it for people at increased risk of overdose.
Signs of a possible opioid overdose can include:
Very slow or difficult breathing
Extreme sleepiness
Inability to wake or respond
Loss of consciousness
Unusual or abnormal breathing
Suspected overdose is a medical emergency.
Safe Storage and Disposal
Prescription pain medicines should be kept securely and away from children, visitors, and anyone who has not been prescribed the medicine.
Patients should not share prescription medication with another person, even if that person appears to have similar symptoms. FDA specifically advises patients not to share opioid prescriptions.
Unused medicines should be disposed of through an appropriate medication take-back or disposal program when possible.
How Healthcare Professionals Choose Pain Treatment
Pain treatment may take several factors into account:
Type and cause of pain
Severity
Duration
Medical history
Age
Other medications
Kidney and liver function
Cardiovascular considerations
Previous treatment response
Risk factors for medication-related harm
Expected functional benefits
Patient preferences and goals
The CDC describes pain management as a process that should involve individualized assessment and shared decision-making rather than a single approach applied to every patient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pain Management
What is pain management?
Pain management is the assessment and treatment of pain using medication, physical approaches, behavioral strategies, procedures, or combinations of these approaches.
What are opioid pain medicines?
Opioids are powerful prescription medicines that act on opioid receptors and can reduce the perception of pain. Examples include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone.
Is gabapentin an opioid?
No. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that is also used for certain types of nerve pain.
What is the difference between oxycodone and OxyContin?
OxyContin is an extended-release formulation containing oxycodone. The formulations have different release characteristics and should not be considered interchangeable.
Is Percocet an opioid?
Yes. Percocet contains oxycodone, an opioid, together with acetaminophen.
What is Dilaudid?
Dilaudid is a brand name for hydromorphone, a prescription opioid analgesic.
What are common opioid side effects?
Common effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and respiratory depression.
Can opioids cause dependence?
Yes. Physical dependence can develop with opioid use, and opioids also carry risks of misuse and addiction.
Can gabapentin be taken with opioids?
The combination requires careful medical consideration. FDA warns that gabapentin can contribute to serious breathing problems in patients with respiratory risk factors, including those taking opioid medicines.
Are non-opioid pain treatments available?
Yes. Depending on the condition, options can include physical therapy, exercise, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, certain medicines for nerve pain, and other non-pharmacological approaches.
Should opioid medication be stopped suddenly?
People taking opioids regularly should not make abrupt changes without discussing them with their healthcare professional. The appropriate approach depends on the individual treatment situation.
Responsible Pain Management
Effective pain management involves more than simply reducing pain intensity. A good treatment plan considers the underlying cause of pain, physical functioning, sleep, quality of life, medication risks, and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Opioid medicines remain an important treatment option in appropriate situations, but they require particular attention to safety because of their potential for misuse, dependence, overdose, and respiratory depression. FDA recommends regular reassessment and appropriate patient education when opioid medicines are prescribed.
Non-opioid and non-drug treatments can also play an important role and are preferred for many types of pain.
Patients should work with qualified healthcare professionals to determine which treatment approach is appropriate for their individual needs.
Explore Our Pain Medication Information Resources
For more detailed educational information, readers can explore the individual medication resources available on Health Aid Pharmacy:
Oxycodone Information
OxyContin Information
Hydrocodone Information
Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) Information
Opana (Oxymorphone) Information
Percocet Information
Gabapentin Information