what is the strongest non prescription pain killer you can buy in the US?

Answer 1

It depends on the type of pain. There are only a handful of different medications and they fall into two categories: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and non-anti-flammatory drugs. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). The non-anti-inflammatory drug is acetaminophen (Tylenol). There were others such phenacetin and acetanilide, but they were taken off the market because of side effects.

Naproxen (Aleve) has a longer half-life and can be taken twice a day and by most would be considered the "strongest" OTC pain reliever when dealing with inflammation, the primary component of most pain. However, acetaminophen (Tylenol) works for many folks. The biggest drawback for NSAIDs is stomach/intestinal irritation and interaction with other drugs. Tylenol is free of these problems, but has limited effect on inflammation.

So it depends mostly on the type of pain and whether you experience GI irritation with NSAIDs. If you don't try Aleve. If you do, try Tylenol. If stronger pain relief is needed, you'll need a prescription drug.

I hope this helps.

Rick the Pharmacist

Answer 2

Ibuprofen or Motrin is available in smaller dosage OTC. For a stronger strength or dosage, say in 600 mgms; a prescription is required. I find that Motrin is stronger and more effective than Vicodin when I had an abdominal surgery recently. My husband swears by Excedrin after finding Aleve and Tylenol Extra Strength ineffective for severe headaches. I think it's because of the aspirin component and the caffeine. However, Tylenol and Motrin are good because they are NSAID.

NSAIDs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Because most episodes of back pain have inflammation as a contributing factor, anti-inflammatory medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is often an effective treatment option. The types of NSAID work like aspirin by limiting the formation of inflammation, but have fewer gastrointestinal side effects (such as gastritis or ulcers) than aspirin.

NSAIDs comprise a large class of drugs with many different options. In addition to aspirin, there are currently several types of both non-prescription (over-the-counter) NSAIDs and prescription brands of NSAIDs. The three types of NSAIDs most commonly used to treat many types of back pain and neck pain include:

Ibuprofen (e.g. brand names such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

Naproxen (e.g. brand names such as Aleve, Naprosyn)

COX-2 inhibitors (e.g. brand names such as Bextra, Celebrex

Answer 3

It depends on your body chemistry. Aleve works for me. You cannot buy narcotics over the counter. Everyone is different. Tylenol works well for some people and doesn't work at all for others.

There are non-narcotic painkillers available but you do need a script for them (800 mg Motrin, Toradol, Tramadol, Midrin, etc).

Answer 4

Depends on what works for you. Some people swear by Ibuprofen, some Aleve and others love Tylenol Extra Strength.

Answer 5

I take ibuprofen for all my pain. It's real good for arthritis.