Topical pain relievers (analgesics) are applied to the skin over painful muscles or joints. They may include: creams, ointments, sprays and patches. They distract the mind from pain, block enzymes (cox-2), or decrease bodily substances (P) that pass pain signals to the brain.

Antidepressants are a broad range of drugs that treat depression by altering brain chemicals to reduce restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disorders. These drugs work by altering the functioning of brain regions that are controlled by neurotransmitters, which transfer messages between brain cells...