There are FOUR main types of pain medication: paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen, opioids that range in strength from codeine through to high dose examples like tramadol and morphine and other medicines such as anti-depressants and anti-epileptics. Each works in a different way. Most people only need to take painkillers for a few days or weeks.
Read real stories from people whose lives have been affected by painkillers. Pain medication addiction can affect everyone and everyone’s story is unique to them. Taking action and asking for help is the first step to managing your pain.
Many people are not aware that there are other ways to help manage persistent pain other than medication. There are techniques you can try yourself and local support groups to meet others with similar conditions.
Painkillers Don’t Exist is an NHS campaign that aims to raise awareness of the dangerous effects of pain medication and empower people living with pain to make informed decisions about their health.
They’re only a short-term solution.