Pain management medications come in many types, and each one is used for different reasons and carries its own risks. This can make it tough for doctors to choose the right one.

1. When to Use Them:

   • Opioids are usually given for severe pain, like after surgery. But they can be addictive, which is a big risk.
   • NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are good for mild to moderate pain, but they can sometimes lead to stomach bleeding.

2. Possible Problems:

   • Each medication can cause side effects. For example, opioids can make you sleepy, and NSAIDs can cause heart problems.

Because of these challenges, doctors need to carefully look at what each patient needs and what could happen.

What Can Help: Creating personalized pain management plans can make things easier. These plans consider the effectiveness of the medication while also keeping safety in mind.