Mens Health Blog. Medical Blog

Narcotic analgesics

The narcotic analgesics are a group of strong analgesics that were originally derived from the opium poppy. They should only be used under strict medical supervision in limited quantities for severe short-term pain as they are potentially addictive.

Some of the better known narcotics include Percodan, Proladone, Endone, Fortral, Pethidine, Omnopon and Morphine.

The side effects of the narcotic analgesics include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness and mood changes.

Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sometimes also known as anti-prostaglandins, are a group of drugs that are commonly used in the treatment of arthritis, as they relieve inflammation and pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins.

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are highly effective in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea and they may be effective in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea and other pain due to endometriosis.

The more common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include Ponstan, Brufen, Nurofen, Naprosyn, Naprogesic, Clinoril, Voltaren, Dolobid, Orudis, Feldene and Indocid. Aspirin and paracetamol are also non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Some people respond to different brands but not others. You may need to try two or three brands before you find one that is effective in relieving your pain.

Most of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs require a doctor’s prescription but some, including Ponstan, Naprogesic and Nurofen, can be purchased from the chemist without a prescription, though often at a higher price.

The most common side effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, irritation of the stomach and stomach ulcers. These can usually be minimized if you take the tablets with food or a drink of milk.

Tricyclic anti-depressants

A group of drugs known as the tricyclic anti-depressants are sometimes used in the treatment of chronic pain. They are used to enhance the pain-relieving effects of analgesics, by overcoming the depression which often develops as a result of chronic pain. The more common tricyclic anti-depressants used include Tryptanol, Tofranil, Sinequan, Anofranil, Prothiaden and Pertofran.

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Grilled Pesto Chicken

150 grams skinless organic chicken breasts

1 heaped teaspoon of pesto

Slice the chicken breasts across and spread their insides with half of the pesto.

Spread the remaining pesto on top of the chicken. Grill for 25 minutes or until cooked.

Indian Spiced Chicken

Juice of 1 lemon

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Dash of cayenne

1 chicken breast (preferably free range)

Steamed broccoli, spinach and cauliflower, or jasmine rice

Blend the lemon juice, garlic and spices. Place the rinsed chicken breast in a dish and toss into the spice blend until it is well coated. Leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Place under a hot grill for 25 minutes, or until cooked. Turn it over once, throughout cooking. Serve with steamed broccoli, spinach and cauliflower, or with jasmine rice.

Roast Chicken Breast with a Twist

2 small chicken breasts (with skin)

1 clove garlic, sliced

2 sprigs fresh tarragon

1 dessert spoon olive oil

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Place garlic slices and tarragon under chicken skin. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked. Remove skin and serve.

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