Common oral medications prescribed for the management of acute or chronic pain include narcotics, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, tricyclic antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. These medications may be effective in treating pain, but challenges are often seen in long-term use of these medications.

A major concern is the growing problem with addiction, abuse, and overdose especially with the use of opioid painkillers. Due to the abuse of opioids, there has been an increase in regulatory efforts to limit prescribing oral opioids. Healthcare providers are more cautious about prescribing these types of painkillers and are looking for alternatives to treat this type of pain.