Table 1.

Pharmacological Options for Pain Management

Class	Examples	Role in Pain
Non-opioid analgesics	Aspirin, acetaminophen, (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.	They work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and inflammation
Opioid analgesics	Morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and codeine	Inhibition of opioid receptor
Antidepressants	SSRIs such as paroxetine and fluoxetine TCAs such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline	Blocking the norepinephrine or serotonin transporter
Benzodiazepines	Diazepam	Inhibit GABA neurotransmitter in the brain
Anticonvulsants	Gabapentin and pregabalin	Reduction of the release of glutamate and sensory neuropeptides (Substance P and CGRP) at the synapse, accomplished by decreasing the influx of calcium ions.
Local Anesthetics	Lidocaine and bupivacaine	Blockage of Na+ and K+ ion channels and regulate intracellular and extracellular calcium concentrations
Corticosteroids	Prednisone and dexamethasone	An anti-inflammatory action