Narcotic pain relievers for acute neck pain

Provided by: Healthwise
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Examples

Brand Name Chemical Name
Vicodin, Lortab acetaminophen and hydrocodone
Percocet acetaminophen and oxycodone
Percodan aspirin and oxycodone
codeine sulfate
Kadian, MS Contin, Rescudose morphine
OxyContin, Percolone oxycodone

How It Works

Narcotic medications relieve pain by altering the way you feel pain.

Why It Is Used

Narcotics are recommended only for short-term treatment of severe, sudden (acute) neck pain.

Because these medications are potentially addictive, they are usually prescribed for a limited time (1 to 2 weeks).

How Well It Works

Using narcotic medications to treat neck pain is not well-studied.1

When a narcotic does relieve pain, it becomes less effective over time. The body becomes more tolerant of narcotic medication, and then a normal narcotic dosage provides less effective pain relief.

Side Effects

Side effects include:

  • Drug addiction/dependence.
  • Confusion.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Constipation.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Narcotics are not intended for use “until all the pain goes away.” They are intended to be used only for a few days at the most. Your health professional will probably only prescribe enough to get you through the most severe pain.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)Click here to view a form.(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

  1. Binder A (2005). Neck pain, search date May 2005. Online version of Clinical Evidence (14): 1–22.

Credits

Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Associate Editor Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Robert B. Keller, MD
- Orthopedics
Last Updated August 24, 2006
Last Updated: 08/24/2006

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.

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