Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about analgesics:

1. What are analgesics, and how can they help manage my pain?
   

2. Which nonprescription analgesics are the safest and most effective for me to use at home?
   

3. When over-the-counter analgesics do not stop my pain, which prescription analgesics would you recommend?
   

4. How should the analgesic you are prescribing for me be administered?
   

5. Can this medication be addictive for me? Would a family or personal history of addiction influence your decision to prescribe me this medication?
   

6. For how long can I safely take this analgesic?
   

7. What side effects might I experience?

8. At what point should I notify you of side effects?
   

9. Are there any ways to decrease the side effects?
   

10. Do I need to take special precautions when using analgesics?
    

11. Can other treatments such as exercise, massage or heat therapy reduce my need for analgesics?