NSAIDs Versus Opioids for Pain Relief: The Key Differences

The controversy surrounding opioid use has drastically reduced prescriptions of this painkiller, but are NSAIDs good enough to fill the gap?

Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

In the high-stakes arena of pain management, tensions are flaring over go-to analgesics. As the opioid epidemic continues to rage, these addictive pain meds have fallen out of favor. But are alternatives such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) the remedy for chronic pain?

The answer is complicated at best—and it may vary from person to person, according to experts.

Big Differences in How Each Drug Class Works

While both of these medication classes are commonly prescribed, they differ significantly in safety, potential risks, effectiveness at pain relief, and appropriate use.

Safety

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are generally considered the safer choice, available over the counter in lower doses. However, long-term use risks gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, and complications for those with preexisting conditions.