If you suffer with arthritis, you may be surprised to find that some common arthritis drugs simply don't work for you. That's because there are more than one hundred different forms of arthritis, and every drug is not effective for all patients.

If you have arthritis, you're probably aware that there is a seemingly endless list of drugs that are said to bring relief from your daily pain and inflammation. What you may not know is how these medications differ, or how they are meant to treat the disease. The following information is intended to introduce you to some of the basic medications available, and to provide details on possible solutions to your arthritic pain and inflammation.

Common Analgesics

Arthritic pain can be extremely severe, and most patients turn to pain medications to help relief their suffering. When the pain becomes unbearable, doctors will prescribe strong painkillers called analgesics. Codeine, Tylenol, darvocet, percocet and vicodin are commonly prescribed analgesics. These medications can help to take the edge off of arthritic pain, but they are not effective in reducing or stopping inflammation.

Biologic Response Modifiers

One class of medication that is unique in terms of the way it is used for arthritis is the Biologic Response Modifiers, or BRMs. This type of drug is not created in a laboratory, but is derived from living sources to help treat certain aspects of arthritis. There are numerous BRMs available that offer various benefits to people with arthritis. BRMs can decrease inflammation, increase the T-cells in the body, and use a special type of protein to block the harmful affects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Corticosteroid Treatments

Many arthritis sufferers turn to corticosteroids for relief from their symptoms. These drugs can reduce swelling and inflammation in the arthritic areas, relieve pain and loosen stiff joints. Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce the inflammation in joints and organs caused by rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and vasculitis. These drugs are steroidal, and very similar to a compound that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands, so the dosage will vary depending on the individual patient. Corticosteroids can actually create long-term complications if used over a long period of time or taken in too high a dosage.

DMARDs

DMARDs, or Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs, are prescribed to treat the problems of arthritis. These slow-acting compounds allow their effects on arthritis to gradually strengthen over the course of a few weeks. DMARDs can help stop the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other types of arthritis. When taken over an extended period of time, these drugs can actually stop damage of the affected joint. Patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from DMARD medications.

NSAID Treatments

Celebrex, ibuprofen and aspirin are among the common NSAIDs. These over-the-counter drugs are commonly prescribed for arthritis relief. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, are taken to bring the inflammation of the affected area to a minimum. Patients enjoy decreased pain and stiffness, and the affected joints may have an extended range of motion.

It's important to consult with your doctor before starting any drug regime to relieve your arthritis. Understand what you are taking, know how the medication should be taken and be aware of any possible side effects or complications. There are more than one hundred different types of arthritis, so don't assume that what worked for your brother, friend or coworker will also work wonders for you.