Non-Opioid Pain Meds

Common medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), NSAIDs (Ibuprofen/Advil/Aleve/Naprosyn),
Gabapentin (Neurontin).

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How will this medication help

  • They decrease pain and are useful for mild to moderate pain. They are not effective for severe pain

  • Less pain means being able to be more active, sleep better, and have higher quality of life

  • These medications usually do not cause drowsiness like the Opioids

  • They can be taken with Opioids

How to take

  • Take it by mouth
  • All oral medications should be taken with fluids (not swallowed dry)

When will it work

  • It can start working in about 30 MINUTES
  • It is important to take these medications if there is any pain, they should not be held because the "pain is not so bad"

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • Do not take more than 3 gms per day (That is 6 extra strength 500mg tabs or more than 9
    regular strength 325mg tabs)

  • Remember that some opioid preparations (Vicodin, Norco) include Acetaminophen and this
    needs to be included in total daily dose

NSAIDs

  • Should be taken with food or after a meal

  • If have history of kidney problems or history of bleeding or ulcers, discuss with Hospice Team if
    safe to take

  • Usual dosing of Ibuprofen (Advil) is 400-600 mg three times per day, Naprosyn (Aleve) is 250
    500mg twice a day

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Often used for nerve pain (Neuropathic pain)

  • Dose range varies quite a bit, from 100-300 mg, 1-3 times per day. Dosing can be even higher,
    discuss with Hospice Team

  • Often taken along with other pain medications

Common Side Effects

Tylenol - Very rare as long as stay within dose recommendations

NSAIDs - Upset stomach, kidney injury, increased risk of bleeding

Gabapentin - Drowsiness, constipation

Serious side effects - Call Hospice

Nausea and vomiting

Uncontrolled pain

Painful stomach cramps or bleeding

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