Medication 101 for Spine Patients

Following is a brief summary of some of the more common medications that many of us use. Please note the following:

1. I am not a doctor and this information has been sourced by me, from the internet. I have put internet links for further information, where possible.

2. This is NOT an exhaustive list of all medication available – it is simply a list of the most commonly used medication by people on this message board.

3. The listed possible side effects tend to be the more common side effects that people might (and I stress only might) notice.

4. Any medication should only be taken under the strict guidance of your doctor!

5. I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION.

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Summary

Mild to Moderate Pain

- Co-codamol
- Panadol
- Panadeine
- Tylenol

Moderate to Severe Pain

- Darvocet
- Hydrocone
- Fentanyl Patch
- Lortab
- Norco
- Oxycontin
- Percocet
- Tramadol & Tramal Retard
- Tylenol 3
- Tylox
- Ultracet
- Ultram & Ultram ER
- Vicodin
- Vicoprofen

Nerve Pain

- Cymbalta
- Lyrcia
- Neurontin
- Topamax

Anti-inflammatory

- Arcoxia
- Mobic
- Naproxen
- Vicoprofen

Muscle Relaxant

- Amrix
- Flexeril
- Robaxin
- Skelaxin
- Soma
- Valium
- Zanaflex

Anti-depressant

- Cymbalta
- Valium

Sleeping

- Ambien
- Lunesta
- Sonata

Other (e.g. anti-anxiety)[i]

- Valium

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Amrix

Refer to Flexeril.

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Ambien

Use/description: Ambien is a sedative, or hypnotic, used to treat insomnia.

Main ingredients : Zolpidem

Possible side effects: Daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed; weakness, lack of coordination; amnesia, forgetfulness; vivid or abnormal dreams; diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; headache, muscle pain; or blurred vision.

http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html

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Arcoxia

Use/description: Anti-inflammatory pain killer, commonly used for arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, musculoskeletal pain. It is a new type of NSAID, which does not affect the stomach or intestinal linings as traditional NSAIDS do.

Main ingredients : Etoricoxib

Possible side effects: nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, swelling of the legs, ankles or feet

http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/a/Arcoxia.htm

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Co-codamol (also known as Tylenol 3, Panadeine)

Use/description: Mild to moderate pain killer

Main ingredients : Acetaminophen (paracetamol), codeine phosphate, caffeine

Possible side effects: Side effects can include: skin rashes, hypersensitivity reaction, constipation, fainting (syncope or near syncope), nausea and/or vomiting, confusion, loss of short-term memory, drowsiness, changes in blood, easy bruising and bleeding gums. Overdose of acetaminophen is serious and can cause liver damage. Note: codeine is a narcotic and so can be dependency-forming.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co-codamol

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Cymbalta

Use/description: Anti-depressant. Also used for relief of nerve pain in the feet, legs or hands.

Main ingredients : Duloxetine

Possible side effects: Nausea, somnolence, insomnia, and dizziness are the main side effects.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100005102.html

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Darvocet

Use/description: A narcotic-like pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Main ingredients : Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene

Possible side effects: constipation; dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite; dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness; muscle twitches; sweating; itching; decreased urination; or decreased sex drive.

http://www.drugs.com/darvocet.html

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Fentanyl Patch (often called Fentanal Patch, also known as Duragesic, Ionsys)

Use/description: Narcotic pain killer used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain.

Main ingredients : Fentanyl

Possible side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, gas; dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia); muscle stiffness, back pain; itching, blistering, redness, or swelling where the patch or device was worn; or increased sweating, urinating less than usual. Note as it is a narcotic it can be dependency-forming.

http://www.drugs.com/fentanyl.html

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Flexeril (Also known as Amrix, Fexmid)

Use/description: Muscle relaxant.

Main ingredients : Cyclobenzaprine

Possible side effects: Dry mouth, increased thirst; blurred vision; drowsiness, dizziness, tired feeling; feeling nervous or irritable; heartburn, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; muscle weakness; diarrhea, constipation, gas; or sore throat, cold symptoms.

http://www.drugs.com/flexeril.html

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Hydrocone – refer to Lortab, Norco, Vicodin

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[b]Lortab (Also known as Norco, Vicodin)

Use/description: Narcotic pain killer used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Main ingredients : Acetaminophen and hydrocodone (hydrocodone is similar to codeine)

Possible side effects: constipation, urinating less than usual, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, itching. Note as it is a narcotic it can be dependency-forming.

http://www.drugs.com/lortab.html

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Lunesta

Use/description: Lunesta is a sedative, or hypnotic, used to treat insomnia.

Main ingredients : Eszopiclone

Possible side effects: Day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling; problems with memory or concentration; anxiety, depression, nervous feeling; headache; nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation; dry mouth; unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or mild skin rash.

http://www.drugs.com/lunesta.html

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Lyrica

Use/description: Used to control seizures. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage.

Main ingredients: Pregabalin

Possible side effects: Dizziness or drowsiness, anxiety; blurred vision; loss of balance or coordination; problems with memory or concentration; dry mouth; skin rash or itching; constipation, stomach pain; increased appetite; or joint or muscle pain.

http://www.drugs.com/lyrica.html

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Mobic

Use/description: Treating pain and inflammation (it is a NSAID)

Main ingredients : Meloxicam

Possible side effects: Upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, headache, nervousness; skin itching or rash; dry mouth; increased sweating, runny nose; blurred vision; or ringing in your ears.

Note: NSAIDs supposedly inhibit bone fusion – please consult with your surgeon if you have had fusion surgery

http://www.drugs.com/mobic.html

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Naproxen (also known as Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)

Use/description: Treating pain and inflammation (it is a NSAID)

Main ingredients : Naproxen

Possible side effects: Upset stomach, mild heartburn or stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, headache, nervousness; skin itching or rash; dry mouth; increased sweating, runny nose; blurred vision; or ringing in your ears.

Note: NSAIDs supposedly inhibit bone fusion – please consult with your surgeon if you have had fusion surgery

http://www.drugs.com/naproxen.html

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Neurontin

Use/description: Used to control seizures. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage.

Main ingredients : Gabapentin

Possible side effects: Dizziness, poor coordination, or drowsiness; blurred or double vision; irregular back-and- forth movements of the eyes; nausea and vomiting; or tremor.

http://www.drugs.com/neurontin.html

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Nevramin

Use/description: Assist damaged nerves to heal quicker

Main ingredients : Thiamine HCl (Vitamin B1)

Possible side effects: ?

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Norco – refer to Lortab

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Oxycontin

Use/description: Narcotic analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain

Main ingredients : Oxycodone

Possible side effects: Constipation; dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite; dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness; muscle twitches; sweating; itching; decreased urination; or decreased sex drive. Note, oxycodone is an opioid narcotic and so can be dependency-forming.

http://www.drugs.com/oxycontin.html

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Panadeine (also known as Tylenol 3, Co-codamol)

Use/description: Mild to moderate pain killer

Main ingredients : Acetaminophen (paracetamol), codeine phosphate, caffeine

Possible side effects: Side effects can include: skin rashes, hypersensitivity reaction, constipation, fainting (syncope or near syncope), nausea and/or vomiting, confusion, loss of short-term memory, drowsiness, changes in blood, easy bruising and bleeding gums. Overdose of acetaminophen is serious and can cause liver damage. Codeine is a narcotic and so can be dependency-forming.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co-codamol

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Panadol (also known as Tylenol)

Use/description: Mild pain killer, and fever reducer

Main ingredients: Acetaminophen (paracetamol)

Possible side effects: Skin rash. Overdose of acetaminophen is serious and can cause liver damage.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100003607.html

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Percocet (also called Tylox)

Use/description: Used to relieve moderate to severe pain

Main ingredients : Acetaminophen and oxycodone

Possible side effects: Drowsiness; nausea, vomiting, constipation; dizziness, headache; or skin rash or itching. Note, oxycodone is an opioid narcotic and so can be dependency-forming.

http://www.drugs.com/percocet.html

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Robaxin

Use/description: Muscle relaxant

Main ingredients : Methocarbamol

Possible side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; headache or blurred vision; nausea or a metallic taste in your mouth; or brown, black, or green urine (this is not harmful).

http://www.drugs.com/Robaxin.html

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Skelaxin

Use/description: Muscle relaxant

Main ingredients : Metaxalone

Possible side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness; feeling nervous or irritable; headache; mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach; or skin rash.

http://www.drugs.com/Skelaxin.html

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Soma (also called Vanadom)

Use/description: Muscle relaxant

Main ingredients : Carisoprodol

Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, tremor; headache; depression, feeling irritable; blurred vision; sleep problems (insomnia); or nausea, vomiting, hiccups, upset stomach

http://www.drugs.com/soma.html

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Sonata

Use/description: A sedative used to treat insomnia.

Main ingredients : Zaleplon

Possible side effects: day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling; problems with memory or concentration; numbness or tingling; anxiety, depression, nervous feeling; problems with vision; headache; nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation; dry mouth; increased menstrual pain (cramps); back pain, joint or muscle pain; or mild skin rash.

http://www.drugs.com/sonata.html

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Tramadol (also known as Ultram)

Use/description: Moderate to severe pain relief

Main ingredients : Tramadol hydrochloride (a synthetic opioid)

Possible side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness; nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite; blurred vision; flushing (redness, warmth, or tingly feeling); or sleep problems (insomnia). Note, Tramadol is narcotic-like so can be dependency-forming.

http://www.drugs.com/tramadol.html

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Tramal Retard (also called Ultram ER)

Tramal Retard is a sustained release variation of Tramadol, designed to give relief over an extended period of time. Refer also to Tramadol.

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Topamax

Use/description: Used to control seizures. It is also used to treat pain caused by nerve damage.

Main ingredients: Topiramate

Possible side effects: Dizziness, poor coordination, sluggishness, or drowsiness; irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes; nausea, loss of appetite, or weight loss; tremor, numbness, or tingling; confusion, difficulty concentrating or decreased memory; speech or language difficulties; or changes in behavior, depression, nervousness, or agitation.

http://www.drugs.com/topamax.html

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Tylenol 3 (also known as Co-codamol, Panadeine)

Use/description: Mild to moderate pain killer

Main ingredients : Acetaminophen (paracetamol), codeine phosphate, caffeine

Possible side effects: Side effects can include: skin rashes, hypersensitivity reaction, constipation, fainting (syncope or near syncope), nausea and/or vomiting, confusion, loss of short-term memory, drowsiness, changes in blood, easy bruising and bleeding gums. Overdose of acetaminophen is serious and can cause liver damage. Codeine is a narcotic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tylenol

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Tylox (refer to Percocet)

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Ultracet

Use/description: A narcotic-like pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Main ingredients : Acetaminophen and tramadol

Possible side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, weakness; nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite; blurred vision; flushing (redness, warmth, or tingly feeling); or sleep problems (insomnia).

http://www.drugs.com/ultracet.html

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Ultram (refer to Tramadol)

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Ultram ER (refer to Tramal Retard)

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Valium

Use/description: Used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. It is also used to treat certain types of seizure disorders and muscle spasms (muscle relaxant).

Main ingredients: Diazepam

Possible side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; depression; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; difficulty urinating; vivid dreams; headache; dry mouth; decreased sex drive; or changes in behavior. Note, Valium can be dependency-forming.

http://www.drugs.com/valium.html

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Vicodin – refer to Lortab

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Vicoprofen

Use/description: Narcotic analgesic used to relieve pain and decrease inflammation.

Main ingredients : Hydrocodone (a narcotic) and ibuprofen (a NSAID).

Possible side effects: Constipation; dry mouth, nausea, or decreased appetite; dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness; muscle twitches; sweating; itching; or decreased urination. Note, Vicoprofen can be dependency-forming.

http://www.drugs.com/vicoprofen.html

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Zanaflex

Use/description: Zanaflex is a short-acting muscle relaxer.

Main ingredients : Tizanidine.

Possible side effects: drowsiness or dizziness; feeling anxious or nervous; numbness or tingling; stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting; fever; dry mouth; muscle weakness, back pain; increased muscle tone or spasms; or sweating or skin rash.

http://www.drugs.com/zanaflex.html

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Drug Schedules (courtesy of dilauro)

Schedule I drugs
(A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
( The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
(C) There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

[i]Example: Cannabis, Herion, Peyote

Schedule II drugs
(A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
( The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
(C) Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependencies

Example: Cocaine, Morphine, Hydrocodone

Schedule III drugs
(A) The drug or other substance has a potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in schedules I and II.
( The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
(C) Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Example: Anabolic Steroids, Hydrodocone Compounds (Vicdon w/Tyenol)

Schedule IV drugs
(A) The drug or other substance has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule III.
( The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
(C) Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule III.

Example: Valium, Ambien

Schedule V drugs
(A) The drug or other substance has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule IV.
( The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
(C) Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in schedule IV.

Example: Cough Suppresents

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