Final answer:
If OTC pain relievers are not effective, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications such as opioids including hydrocodone and oxycodone for moderate to severe pain, which must be used under medical supervision. Morphine might be used for severe pain, especially related to surgeries. Always follow a healthcare provider's recommendations for dosage and frequency.
Step-by-step explanation:
When over-the-counter (OTC) medicines do not alleviate a patient's pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications. If a patient has already taken pain pills but is still experiencing a pain level of seven out of 10, additional measures may be required. Increased dosage or frequency may be considered, always under a physician's guidance. Opioids are powerful pain relievers, including hydrocodone and oxycodone, which are often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. These medications should be used only under direct medical supervision due to the potential for serious side effects and the risk of addiction.
Morphine, another opioid, is typically used before and after surgical procedures to alleviate severe pain. Extended-release formulations of oxycodone and hydrocodone are designed for long-term pain management in patients who need constant pain relief and cannot be treated with other medications. Healthcare providers may also decide to optimize the pain management regimen by adding adjunctive therapies, reassessing pain sources, or exploring non-pharmacologic interventions.