Final answer:
For chronic pain, doctors commonly prescribe narcotic analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants. These medications offer pain relief but have potential side effects and risks, including addiction in the case of narcotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pharmacologic agents that may be prescribed for a patient suffering from chronic pain typically include narcotic analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antidepressants. Narcotic analgesics such as morphine, oxycodone, and methadone are powerful pain relievers but carry a risk of addiction and other serious side effects. NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can be prescribed at higher doses for chronic pain to reduce inflammation and pain, although they may cause gastrointestinal bleeding and other side effects. Antidepressants can aid in managing chronic pain by modifying the perception of pain and providing relief. Loop diuretics and corticosteroids are not typically prescribed for chronic pain management; however, corticosteroids can sometimes be used to reduce inflammation that contributes to pain.
For managing chronic pain, medical professionals tend to prescribe narcotics, NSAIDs, and antidepressants. Narcotics, or opioids, provide significant pain relief but carry risks; NSAIDs control pain and inflammation with some potential side effects; antidepressants offer another avenue for pain reduction by influencing how pain is perceived.