Pain medications are used to treat acute pain, such as post-surgical pain, and chronic pain, such as from arthritis. They work in various ways to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Common classes include opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Opioids like hydrocodone / acetaminophen and oxycodone / acetaminophen (Percocet) are available as oral pills. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), are typically taken as oral tablets or liquid.These options provide different ways to help manage your pain effectively.