The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included. Ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
Medications are used to control symptoms of low back pain and sciatica. The medications are listed by their generic name with some frequent brands names included in parentheses.
Common names include:
- Naproxen
sodium (Naprosyn)
- Ibuprofen
(Motrin)
- Diclofenac
sodium (Voltaren)
These drugs work to control inflammation, which produces pain. Some prescription NSAIDs are higher doses of the same NSAIDs that are available without a prescription.
Possible side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Stomach upset
- Fluid retention
- Liver damage
Some prescription NSAIDs (eg, Celebrex) have been associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Other studies show that some NSAIDs may cause complications in patients recovering from stroke, heart attacks, or open heart surgery. NSAIDs can also interfere with the actions of other drugs. Be certain your physician is aware of all drugs you take, including herbs and supplements (even if you only take these occasionally).
Common names include:
Prescription pain pills may be prescribed short term for severe pain.
Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Decreased breathing
Common names include:
- Duloxetine
(Cymbalta)
- Amitriptyline
(Elavil)
Antidepressants may also be prescribed for chronic low back pain.
Possible side effects include:
- Blurred vision
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness when standing
Do not stop taking these drugs without checking with your doctor.
Common names include:
- Cyclobenzaprine
(Flexeril)
- Diazepam
(Valium)
Muscle relaxants help calm muscle spasms. They may be ordered for short-term pain relief.
Possible side effects include:
Common names include:
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin)
- Aspirin
(Bayer)
These drugs work to control inflammation, which produces pain.
Possible side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Stomach upset
- Liver damage
- Fluid retention
- Interaction with other drugs, including ACE inhibitors, blood thinners, and drugs to treat hypertension. Check with your physician to be certain that NSAIDs will not interact with other drugs you might be taking.
Common brand names include:
Acetaminophen relieves pain through different biological mechanisms. It is not an NSAID. It can cause or exacerbate liver problems if recommended doses are exceeded. Do not drink alcohol while taking this drug. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Acetaminophen is unlikely to cause side effects associated with other pain medications such as GI upset, fluid retention, and constipation.
Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms:
- Pain that doesn't improve, or worsens, with rest
- Pain that is severe or that has gotten dramatically worse
- Progressive weakness in a leg or foot
- Difficulty walking, standing, or moving
- Numbness in the genital or rectal area
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Burning or difficulty with urination
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or other signs of illness
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
- Take them as directed—not more, not less, not at a different time.
- Do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
- Don’t share them with anyone else.
- Know what effects and side effects to expect. Report them to your doctor.
- If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist about drug interactions.
- Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.
Acute low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated September 19, 2012. Accessed October 10, 2012.
Chronic low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated September 19, 2012. Accessed October 10, 2012.
Conn HF, Rakel R.
Conn’s Current Therapy.
54th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2002.
Nissen D.
Mosby’s Drug Consult.
St. Louis, MO: Mosby Inc; 2002.
Pain.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chronic_pain/detail_chronic_pain.htm#Spine. Updated September 19, 2012. Accessed October 10, 2012.
Sciatica. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated August 26, 2012. Accessed October 10, 2012.
9/2/2009 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamicmedical.com/what.php: Urquhart D, Hoving J, Assendelft W, Roland M, van Tulder M. Antidepressants for non-specific low back pain.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2009;(3):CD001703.
11/12/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: US Food and Drug Administration. FDA clears Cymbalta to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at:
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm232708.htm. Published November 4, 2010. Accessed November 12, 2010.
2/18/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Serretti A, Mandelli L. Antidepressants and body weight: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatry.
2010;71(10):1259-1272.
Last reviewed October 2012 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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