Analgesic adjuvant

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Analgesic adjuvants are drugs that are not primarily designed to control pain but can be used for this purpose. They are often used in combination with analgesics to enhance their effects or to alleviate side effects.

Types of Analgesic Adjuvants[edit | edit source]

There are several types of analgesic adjuvants, including:

  • Antidepressants: These are often used to treat neuropathic pain. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help reduce the perception of pain.
  • Anticonvulsants: These are used to treat neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. They work by reducing the excitability of nerve cells, which can help reduce pain.
  • Corticosteroids: These are used to reduce inflammation and swelling, which can help reduce pain.
  • Muscle relaxants: These are used to treat muscle spasms and tension, which can cause pain.
  • Benzodiazepines: These are used to treat anxiety and muscle spasms, which can contribute to pain.

Uses of Analgesic Adjuvants[edit | edit source]

Analgesic adjuvants are used in a variety of situations, including:

  • To enhance the effects of analgesics
  • To treat pain that is not adequately controlled by analgesics alone
  • To reduce the side effects of analgesics
  • To treat specific types of pain, such as neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia

Side Effects of Analgesic Adjuvants[edit | edit source]

Like all drugs, analgesic adjuvants can have side effects. These can vary depending on the specific drug and the individual patient, but may include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Difficulty sleeping

Patients should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider before starting treatment with an analgesic adjuvant.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Analgesic adjuvant Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD