Pain relief
Paracetamol, NSAIDs, opioids, and nerve-pain medicines — UK hub linking each drug guide with safety-first FAQs.
What are pain relief medicines?
Pain relief medicines (analgesics) reduce pain or discomfort. In the UK they range from Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory tablets (NSAIDs) to prescribed combinations such as Co-codamol, opioids like Tramadol, and medicines used for nerve pain such as Amitriptyline. The right choice depends on pain type, duration, your kidneys and stomach, pregnancy, and other tablets — your GP or pharmacist helps you use them safely.
General UK information only — your GP, pharmacist, or specialist can personalise advice and check interactions with your prescriptions.
Quick answers
Short points people often scan before reading the full hub or speaking to a clinician.
What are they used for?
Headaches, muscle and joint pain, period pain, nerve pain, post-operative pain, and other conditions as prescribed. Long-term pain needs diagnosis, not endless self-treatment without review.
Common types
Paracetamol; NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen; Codeine combinations (Co-codamol); Tramadol; tricyclics such as Amitriptyline for some nerve pains.
Do you need them long term?
Some chronic conditions need ongoing analgesia under GP review; opioids and high-dose combinations are usually monitored closely because of dependence and side effects.
Common side effects
Paracetamol is usually gentle on the stomach at correct doses; NSAIDs can cause indigestion, kidney issues, and interact with blood pressure tablets. Opioids cause constipation, drowsiness, and dependence risk.
What are the most common painkillers used in the UK?
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are the most familiar over-the-counter options for many adults. Naproxen, Co-codamol, Tramadol, and Amitriptyline are examples of prescribed options for different pain types.
See our Ibuprofen vs Paracetamol comparison for a plain-English contrast of two everyday choices.
What is the safest painkiller?
No single painkiller is safest for everyone. Paracetamol suits many people when dosing limits are respected; NSAIDs need caution with stomach, kidney, and heart issues; opioids need the closest supervision.
Always tell your pharmacist what else you take — interactions with antidepressants, blood thinners, and blood pressure medicines matter.
Can you stop strong painkillers suddenly?
Opioids and Codeine-containing products can cause withdrawal if stopped abruptly after regular use — your GP may taper the dose.
Do not exceed stated doses of Paracetamol or mix duplicate paracetamol from cold remedies — overdose can seriously damage the liver.
Medicines in this category
Open a guide for uses, side effects, interactions, and safety topics. Your prescriber chooses what is appropriate for you.
- Amitriptyline(amitriptyline)
Amitriptyline UK: uses for nerve pain, migraine prevention & low mood, side effects, drowsiness, and safety. Patient-friendly guide — your GP or pharmacist may personalise advice.
- Buprenorphine(buprenorphine)
Buprenorphine UK: opioid patches or tablets for pain, and substitution treatment for dependence — different services, general overview.
- Celecoxib(celecoxib)
Celecoxib UK: COX-2 selective NSAID, cardiovascular and stomach cautions, sulfa allergy — general information.
- Co-codamol(paracetamol and codeine)
Co-codamol UK: paracetamol + codeine for pain, strengths (8/500, 15/500, 30/500), side effects, addiction risk, and when to see your GP. General information only.
- Codeine(codeine)
Codeine UK: weak opioid for pain and cough preparations, constipation, driving, breastfed babies — general information.
- Colchicine(colchicine)
Colchicine UK: gout flare treatment, diarrhoea dose, interactions with clarithromycin — general patient information.
- Diclofenac(diclofenac)
Diclofenac UK: NSAID gel or tablets, heart and stomach risks, gel vs tablet safety — general information.
- Duloxetine(duloxetine)
Duloxetine UK: SNRI for depression, anxiety & nerve pain, side effects, blood pressure, and interactions. Patient-friendly summary — ask your GP or pharmacist.
- Etoricoxib(etoricoxib)
Etoricoxib UK: COX-2 inhibitor for arthritis and gout, blood pressure monitoring, max dose rules — general information.
- Hydrocortisone cream(hydrocortisone)
Hydrocortisone cream UK: mild steroid for eczema and bites, face and child limits, steroid potency — general information.
- Ibuprofen(ibuprofen)
Ibuprofen: uses, max dose, side effects & stomach bleeding warnings, how fast it works. Paracetamol vs ibuprofen, safe with ramipril? UK pharmacy-style guide — ask your clinician for you.
- Morphine(morphine)
Morphine UK: strong opioid for acute and palliative pain, breathing and constipation effects — general information.
- Naproxen(naproxen)
Naproxen UK: NSAID for pain & inflammation, dosage, side effects, stomach & heart warnings, ibuprofen comparison. Ask your GP or pharmacist before regular use.
- Paracetamol(paracetamol)
Paracetamol UK: safe dose for adults & children, uses, side effects, alcohol, and ibuprofen. Overdose is dangerous — NHS 111 if unsure.
- Tramadol(tramadol)
Tramadol UK: opioid painkiller uses, side effects, serotonin risk with antidepressants, driving, and dependence. Patient information — follow your prescriber and pharmacist.
Compare medicines in this topic
Side-by-side overviews for common search questions — not a prompt to switch treatment yourself.
More popular questions
Extra topics people ask about in search and in pharmacy consultations — check with your GP or pharmacist for advice tailored to you.
- What is the maximum paracetamol dose per day?
- For most healthy adults the usual upper limit is 4 g in 24 hours from all sources, but your prescriber may set a lower limit. Always read the pack and watch for hidden Paracetamol in cold remedies.
- Can you take paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
- Many adults can alternate or combine short term with correct spacing and limits if both are suitable for them — ask your pharmacist for a clear schedule, especially for children.
- Who should avoid ibuprofen and naproxen?
- People with some stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart failure, or on certain blood pressure medicines need medical advice before NSAIDs. Pregnancy has specific restrictions — speak to your GP or midwife.
- Are co-codamol and tramadol addictive?
- Both contain or act like opioids; regular use can cause tolerance and dependence. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time as your prescriber advises.
- When should I see a GP about pain instead of self-treating?
- If pain is severe, lasts more than a few days despite appropriate self-care, keeps coming back, or comes with fever, weight loss, numbness, or new bowel or bladder symptoms — book an appointment.