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Understanding Prescription Painkillers in Australia

Welcome to the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest! Here, we break down health topics in simple, everyday language to help you make informed choices about your well-being. At ORIEMS FIT, our goal is to help you understand both medical and non-medical options for pain relief, so you can feel your best.

Why We Share This Information

In Australia, people often rely on prescription painkillers to manage pain from things like sports injuries, chronic (long-lasting) conditions, or recovery after surgery. But painkillers have risks, such as dependence (becoming too reliant on them) or side effects. Many people are now also exploring options like ORIEMS FIT’s EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) devices for pain relief. We’re here to help you understand these options so you can make the best choices for yourself.

Important Note: This information is for inspirational, educational and recreational purposes only. It’s not a replacement for advice from your doctor. Always talk to a healthcare professional about your own health needs.
From here, we hope to inspire you to start your own in-depth research.

Prescription Painkillers You Can’t Buy Without a Doctor’s Note

In Australia, some painkillers are very strong and can only be given by a doctor. This helps make sure they’re used safely. Here’s a quick look at the main types of prescription-only painkillers:

1. Opioid Painkillers

Opioids are powerful drugs used for severe pain, but they can be addictive if not used carefully. Common opioids prescribed by doctors include:

  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone
  • Fentanyl
  • Hydromorphone
  • Methadone
  • Tramadol
  • Tapentadol

In 2018, Australia changed the law so that all medicines with codeine (another type of opioid) require a doctor’s prescription. You can read more about this change on NPS MedicineWise.

2. NSAIDs (Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter, like ibuprofen, but others need a prescription, especially in higher doses. Prescription NSAIDs include:

  • Diclofenac (in higher doses)
  • Naproxen (in higher doses)
  • Celecoxib
  • Meloxicam

NSAIDs help with pain and swelling but can have side effects, especially for those with certain health conditions. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure about which is best for you.

3. Combination Painkillers

Some painkillers combine different medicines, like paracetamol or ibuprofen mixed with codeine. These are stronger and require a prescription.

4. Other Medicines Used for Pain

Some drugs originally made for other health issues, like certain nerve conditions, are also used for pain relief. These include:

  • Pregabalin
  • Gabapentin
  • Amitriptyline
  • Duloxetine

These medicines work differently from regular painkillers and are usually prescribed for nerve pain.

Are There Other Options for Pain Relief?

Yes! Alongside medication, some people use optional support including TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and EMS devices, like ORIEMS FIT. These devices send gentle electrical pulses to help increasing comfort. Many Australians are finding that they can find as a great pill-free help with their moments of pain. However, it’s always best to talk to your doctor first.

A Quick Reminder

This blog is here to help you learn but isn’t meant to replace professional medical advice. ORIEMS FIT products are designed to support wellness, but they’re not a replacement for medications or treatments from your doctor.

If you’d like to read more, here are some links with additional helpful information:

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more simple health insights from the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest!


This blog post is part of ourΒ ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we share intriguing research to fuel your curiosity. For more interesting reads, check out our blog, where you can start exploring the world of science yourself.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational and recreational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new treatments. For full details on our disclaimer,Β visitΒ here.

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