Pharmacologic treatment based on type of pain^[1,2]

Type of pain	First-line therapy	Considerations for opioid use
Nociceptive	NSAIDs	When other treatment options are inadequate, for pain severe enough to require potentially daily, round-the-clock, long-term treatment. Limit dose and duration whenever possible. Encourage as-needed use linked to meeting specific activity goals.
Neuropathic	Antidepressants (TCAs or SNRIs) or Antiseizure medications
Central sensitization	Antidepressants (TCAs or SNRIs) or Antiseizure medications	Avoid whenever other multidisciplinary treatment options have not been systematically, sufficiently, and consistently trialed. Opioids often worsen central sensitization treatment outcomes.

NSAIDS: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs; TCAs: tricyclic antidepressant; SNRIs: serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

References:

Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force Report: Updates, Gaps, Inconsistencies, and Recommendations. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pmtf-final-report-2019-05-23.pdf (August 4, 2022).
Health Care Guideline: Pain: Assessment, Non-Opioid Treatment Approaches and Opioid Management Care for Adults. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Available at: https://www.icsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Pain-Interactive-7th-V2-Ed-8.17.pdf (Accessed on April 28, 2020).

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Pharmacologic treatment based on type of pain[1,2]