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Analgesics are drugs that help relieve pain, but not inflammation. They are helpful if you need relief from pain only, are allergic to aspirin or have had an ulcer. Acetaminophen is one example of an analgesic that gives temporary relief of common arthritis pain, but does not reduce swelling. It is available without a prescription.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce joint pain, stiffness and swelling. NSAIDs cut down on the production of prostaglandins, which are substances in the body that help send pain messages to the brain. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Other NSAIDs are available by prescription only. NSAIDs can cause the side effect of stomach upset.

Glucocorticoids are drugs related to the natural hormone in your body called cortisol. Scientists have developed synthetic forms of cortisol that can be taken in pill form or injected directly into joints or other tissues. These drugs help relieve pain by reducing swelling and inflammation in the area. Glucocorticoid injections must be monitored carefully; side effects can occur if you receive injections too frequently.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) often are used to control inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. While their main function is to reduce inflammation, slow down and/or suppress the immune system, these drugs also can help relieve pain. The drugs may take several weeks or months to begin working. Examples of DMARDs include methotrexate, hydroxycholorquine, azulfdine and lefunomide.

Biologic response modifiers (BRMs), also called biologic agents, are used to suppress arthritis inflammation. Two BRMs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximib (Remicade).

Antidepressants, in addition to relieving depression, also can help relieve chronic pain. They are typically prescribed for the chronic pain of fibromyalgia rather than for arthritis. These drugs work by blocking pain messengers in the brain. Antidepressants are sometimes used to help people with arthritis break out of the pain and depression cycle. These drugs also can help improve sleep quality, which in turn may help reduce pain. The doses used to treat pain and sleep problems are usually lower than those used for depression.

Topical pain relievers can temporarily relieve the pain of arthritis.

They include creams, rubs and sprays that are applied to the skin over a painful muscle or joint. Some topical pain relievers may contain combinations of salicylates (sa-LIS-ill-ates), skin irritants and local anesthetics that relieve pain in one area.

Salicylates decrease the ability of the nerve endings in the skin to sense pain. Irritants stimulate nerve endings in the skin to cause feelings of cold, warmth or itching, which distract attention from the actual pain.

Other over-the-counter topical creams containing capsaicin (the chemical that makes chili peppers taste "hot") may be used alone or with other medications to temporarily relieve pain. When applied as directed to joints affected by arthritis, the medication usually begins to work within one to two weeks. It works by decreasing a substance in the nerves called "substance P," which sends pain signals to the brain. Some people may at first feel a burning or stinging sensation where capsaicin is applied, but this usually goes away with repeated applications.

Narcotics and other strong painkillers have been prescribed mainly for short-term and intense pain. But some physicians believe that with careful monitoring these types of drugs can be effective in treating chronic pain. Narcotics such as morphine and codeine reduce pain by blocking pain signals that are traveling to the brain.

Tranquilizers can help reduce painful muscle tension and spasms in some types of arthritis or related conditions. However, these drugs can be addictive if they are used for a long period of time.

Muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine or carisoprodol, may relieve pain by decreasing muscle spasms that often trigger pain signals. Like tranquilizers, however, they should only be used for brief periods of time.

Nerve blocks are injections of anesthetic drugs (similar to what a dentist uses) directly into the nerves of the painful area. Nerve blocks can help relieve nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle pain. Yet nerve blocks are not as effective for long-lasting pain because they work only for a limited time. They also can cause temporary muscle weakness and numbness near the painful area.

Source: The Arthritis Foundation. Online at www.arthritis.org.

For more information about arthritis, visit www.ArthritisSupport.com