Drugs that relieve pain are often used in the treatment of arthritis. Although they may provide some temporary relief, they do not actually help the, arthritis. Instead, they cover it up, which can be dangerous because it often means that more effective treatment is postponed.

Painkillers such as acetaminophen, propoxyphene, oxycodone, demerol, and codeine are used in short-term treatment of arthritis pain. However, because arthritis is a chronic disease, most physicians advise that any drug on which the patient might become overly dependent should be avoided. Although these drugs may be prescribed in special circumstances, they are rarely used in the long-term treatment of arthritis.

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

These are aspirin substitutes. The non-steroidal aspect of these drugs is important. Steroids have serious side effects and usually are tried only after other drugs have proved to be ineffective.

Most of the NSAIDs act like aspirin in that they interfere with the formation of prostaglandins, which trigger inflammation. Also like aspirin, these aspirin substitutes usually must be taken several times a day. Researchers are working on perfecting NSAIDs that can be taken in single daily doses.

Some of the more widely used NSAIDs are sold under the generic names of indomethacin, phenylbutazone naproxen, sulindac, fenoprofen, ibuprofen, tolmetin, meclofenemate, and piroxicam. These drugs are not without side effects, however. Some people using them have noticed dizziness, headache, stomach upset, fluid retention, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, itching and ringing in the ears. Whenever you notice any side effect while taking medication, call your doctor. You may be advised to live with the side effect because it will subside after a while. However, your physician may determine whether the side effect may be harmful to you and change your medication.