The pain woke you up again. That constant ache in your back that never quite goes away. Or maybe it’s the knee that’s been bothering you for months. The migraines that knock you flat for days. The arthritis that makes simple tasks feel impossible.

You’ve tried the over-the-counter stuff. It barely touches it. Your doctor gave you something stronger a while back, but getting refills means taking time off work for appointments, sitting in waiting rooms, and honestly—it feels like they look at you suspiciously every time you ask for pain medication, like you’re doing something wrong just by being in pain.

So you’re researching whether you can buy pain relief medication online. Maybe you’ve heard about telehealth making things easier. Maybe you’re desperate and considering sites that promise quick shipments with “no questions asked.” Maybe you just want to know what your options are.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• Can you legally buy pain medication online? (The answer is more complicated than you think)
• What pain medications are actually available online
• How the legitimate process works from start to finish
• Which telehealth services are safe and legal
• Why getting opioids online is so restricted (and often impossible)
• How to spot deadly scam sites selling fake pills
• Real costs and making treatment affordable

Can You Actually Buy Pain Relief Medication Online?

Short answer: It depends on which pain medication you need.

Longer answer: Yes for many types, but with significant restrictions for others—especially opioids.

The Reality You Need to Know Upfront

If you’re hoping to buy opioid pain medications (OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, morphine, etc.) online, you need to understand this: it’s extremely difficult to get these through telehealth, and in many cases impossible.

Why? The opioid crisis. Over 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year, many involving prescription opioids or pills laced with fentanyl. Because of this, regulations around prescribing opioids—especially online—are incredibly strict.

Most legitimate telehealth platforms won’t prescribe opioids at all. The few that do require extensive documentation, often an existing patient-provider relationship, and sometimes in-person visits.

What You CAN Get Online (Legitimately)

Many non-opioid pain medications are available through telehealth:

• NSAIDs (prescription-strength ibuprofen, naproxen, others)
• Muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine, tizanidine, baclofen)
• Nerve pain medications (gabapentin, pregabalin)
• Migraine medications (triptans, preventive medications)
• Some non-opioid options for chronic pain
• Topical pain treatments

These require a legitimate prescription from a licensed provider, but they’re much more accessible through telehealth than opioids.

The Legal Route

Getting pain medication online legally requires:

• Video consultation with a licensed healthcare provider
• Proper medical evaluation and diagnosis
• Valid prescription based on medical need
• Licensed pharmacy filling and shipping the medication

This is real healthcare, not a shortcut around the system.

The Illegal (and Deadly) Route

Sites claiming you can buy pain meds without a prescription, or with just a questionnaire, are illegal. What they’re selling is often:

• Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl (which is killing people by the thousands)
• Wrong medications or wrong doses
• Pills with dangerous contaminants
• Nothing—they just take your money

People are dying from fake pain pills bought online. This isn’t scare tactics—it’s the reality of the current drug supply.

See what pain medications you can get online →

What Pain Relief Medications Can You Get Online?

Let’s break this down by pain type and medication category, being realistic about what’s actually accessible.

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

These reduce inflammation and pain. Prescription-strength versions are stronger than OTC.

Common prescription NSAIDs:

• Prescription ibuprofen (800mg—higher than OTC 200mg)
• Naproxen sodium (higher doses than OTC Aleve)
• Diclofenac (Voltaren—oral or topical)
• Meloxicam (Mobic)
• Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Good for: Arthritis, joint pain, inflammation-related pain, dental pain, minor injuries

The catch: Can cause stomach issues, increased bleeding risk, kidney problems with long-term use. Not safe for everyone, especially with certain heart conditions.

Online availability: Very accessible. Most telehealth providers are comfortable prescribing these.

Muscle Relaxants

Help with muscle spasms and tension-related pain.

Common options:

• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)—most commonly prescribed
• Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
• Baclofen
• Methocarbamol (Robaxin)

Good for: Back pain, neck pain, muscle spasms, tension headaches

The catch: Can cause drowsiness (don’t drive on these). Some have abuse potential. Usually recommended short-term.

Online availability: Commonly prescribed through telehealth, especially for acute muscle pain.

Nerve Pain Medications (Neuropathic Pain)

Originally developed for seizures or depression, but very effective for nerve pain.

Gabapentin (Neurontin):

• How it works: Calms overactive nerves
• Good for: Nerve pain, neuropathy, some types of chronic pain, fibromyalgia
• The catch: Takes time to work (weeks). Can cause dizziness, weight gain. Now a controlled substance in some states due to abuse concerns.
• Online availability: Commonly prescribed, though some providers are getting more cautious

Pregabalin (Lyrica):

• Similar to gabapentin but more potent
• Good for: Fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, neuropathy
• The catch: Controlled substance (Schedule V). More expensive. Similar side effects to gabapentin.
• Online availability: Prescribed through telehealth but with more restrictions than gabapentin

Duloxetine (Cymbalta):

• Antidepressant that treats nerve pain and chronic pain
• Good for: Diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain
• The catch: Takes 4-6 weeks to work fully. Side effects include nausea, dry mouth. Withdrawal can be rough.
• Online availability: Commonly prescribed

Migraine Medications

Triptans (acute treatment):

• Sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), others
• How they work: Stop migraines in progress, work within 1-2 hours
• Good for: Moderate to severe migraines
• Online availability: Very commonly prescribed through telehealth

Preventive medications:

• Topiramate, propranolol, amitriptyline, newer CGRP inhibitors
• Good for: Frequent migraines (more than 4 per month)
• Online availability: Accessible through telehealth, especially migraine-focused services

Topical Pain Relievers

Prescription options:

• Diclofenac gel (Voltaren—now OTC but prescription-strength available)
• Lidocaine patches (for localized pain)
• Compounded topical creams with multiple medications

Good for: Localized pain—arthritis in hands/knees, muscle pain, neuropathy

Online availability: Easy to get prescribed, fewer systemic side effects than oral medications

Tramadol (The Gray Area)

Tramadol is a weak opioid that’s less controlled than stronger opioids but still tricky.

• How it works: Dual mechanism—weak opioid effect plus effects on serotonin/norepinephrine
• Good for: Moderate pain that NSAIDs don’t touch but doesn’t need strong opioids
• The catch: It’s a controlled substance (Schedule IV). Has opioid-like effects including addiction potential. Can cause seizures at high doses. Dangerous with certain antidepressants.
• Online availability: Some telehealth providers will prescribe it, many won’t. Much more restricted than it used to be.

What You Almost Certainly WON’T Get Online

Strong opioids:

• Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
• Morphine
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• Fentanyl patches

Federal regulations require an in-person visit before prescribing opioids in most cases. Even if you’ve been on them for years, transferring to online-only care is extremely difficult.

Some exceptions exist for patients with cancer pain or in palliative care, but even these require extensive documentation.

Why opioids are so restricted online →

Why You Can’t Get Opioids Online (And Why That’s Actually Protecting You)

Let’s talk honestly about why opioid prescribing online is so restricted. This isn’t about making your life harder—it’s about preventing deaths.

The Numbers Are Staggering

Over 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the past year. Many of these deaths involved prescription opioids or counterfeit pills.

The opioid crisis evolved in waves:

• Wave 1 (1990s-2000s): Over-prescribing of legitimate prescription opioids. People got addicted through their doctors.
• Wave 2 (2010s): When prescribing got restricted, people turned to heroin.
• Wave 3 (2015-now): Fentanyl-laced drugs. Pills that look identical to Percocet but contain lethal doses of fentanyl.

We’re in the fentanyl era now, and it’s deadly.

Why Regulations Got So Strict

The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and state medical boards implemented massive restrictions on opioid prescribing, including:

• Ryan Haight Act: Federal law requiring in-person medical evaluation before prescribing controlled substances online (with limited exceptions during COVID that have mostly ended)
• Prescription limits: Many states limit initial opioid prescriptions to 3-7 days
• Mandatory checks: Providers must check prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) before prescribing
• Licensing risks: Doctors can lose their licenses for inappropriate opioid prescribing

These regulations make it essentially impossible for most telehealth platforms to prescribe opioids legally.

The Unintended Consequences

Here’s the hard truth: these restrictions have made life difficult for people with legitimate chronic pain.

If you’ve been on opioids for years for a legitimate condition, you’re now stuck with:

• Monthly in-person appointments even if you’re stable
• Urine drug tests
• Pain contracts
• Being treated with suspicion by medical staff
• Difficulty finding providers who will prescribe at all

This sucks for people in real pain. But the regulations aren’t going away—too many people died.

Alternatives to Opioids for Chronic Pain

If you’re dealing with chronic pain and can’t get opioids (or want to avoid them), here are options that actually have evidence:

Medication options:

• Nerve pain medications (gabapentin, duloxetine)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Muscle relaxants for musculoskeletal pain
• Topical treatments
• Antidepressants that treat pain (tricyclics, SNRIs)

Non-medication approaches:

• Physical therapy (actually effective for many chronic pain conditions)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for pain (helps you cope better even if pain doesn’t completely go away)
• Interventional procedures (injections, nerve blocks—varies by pain type)
• Exercise (counterintuitive but well-supported by evidence)
• Mind-body techniques (meditation, biofeedback)

None of these are as immediately effective as opioids. But for chronic pain, the evidence shows multimodal approaches work better long-term than opioids alone—with way fewer risks.

See how to get pain relief online legitimately →

How to Buy Pain Relief Medication Online: The Legitimate Process

Here’s what getting pain medication through legit telehealth actually looks like.

Step 1: Choose a Telehealth Service

Pick a platform—could be a general telehealth service, a pain management platform, or your regular doctor if they offer video appointments.

Create an account with basic information: name, date of birth, insurance details, contact info.

Step 2: Complete Intake Questionnaire

You’ll answer detailed questions about your pain:

• Where is the pain located?
• How long have you had it?
• What does it feel like? (Sharp, dull, burning, throbbing, etc.)
• On a scale of 1-10, how bad is it?
• What makes it better or worse?
• How does it affect your daily activities?
• What have you tried already? (OTC meds, physical therapy, etc.)
• Previous diagnoses or imaging (X-rays, MRIs)?
• Other medical conditions and current medications
• History of substance use (they have to ask for controlled medications)

Be thorough and honest. This helps your provider understand what you’re dealing with.

Step 3: Video Consultation

Live video appointment with a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Usually 15-30 minutes for straightforward pain issues, longer for complex chronic pain.

They’ll ask more detailed questions:

• When did the pain start? Any injury or trigger?
• Does it radiate anywhere? (Important for nerve-related pain)
• Numbness, tingling, weakness? (Nerve involvement)
• Swelling, redness, warmth? (Inflammation or infection)
• Previous treatments and how well they worked
• Impact on sleep, work, mood

For video consultations, they can’t do a physical exam, which limits what they can diagnose and treat. Some pain conditions require in-person evaluation.

Step 4: Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

Based on your history and description, they’ll either:

Prescribe medication if appropriate: They’ll explain which medication, why, how to take it, side effects to watch for, and when to follow up.

Recommend other treatments first: Physical therapy, imaging to diagnose the problem, OTC medications, or non-medication approaches.

Refer you for in-person evaluation: Some pain requires hands-on examination, imaging, or specialist evaluation.

Good providers discuss expectations: Will this cure the problem or just manage symptoms? How long should you take it? What happens if it doesn’t work?

Step 5: Prescription Sent to Pharmacy

If medication is prescribed, they send it electronically to a pharmacy—either one you choose or one the service works with.

For controlled substances (muscle relaxants, gabapentin in some states), extra verification may be required.

Step 6: Medication Delivery

Pharmacy processes your prescription, runs insurance if applicable, then ships to you. Usually 3-7 days depending on pharmacy and location.

Medication arrives in original manufacturer packaging with proper labeling.

Step 7: Follow-Up Care

Pain treatment requires monitoring:

• Is the medication helping?
• Any side effects?
• Do you need dose adjustments?
• Is the underlying problem improving or do you need different treatment?

For acute pain (injury, post-surgery), follow-up might be minimal. For chronic pain, ongoing care is essential.

What If They Won’t Prescribe What You Want?

Sometimes providers determine that the medication you’re asking for isn’t appropriate:

• Your pain type doesn’t match that medication
• You haven’t tried safer options yet
• They can’t diagnose the problem without in-person exam
• The medication you want is outside their prescribing scope (opioids)
• Your medical history makes it unsafe

This doesn’t mean you’re stuck—it means you might need a different approach or in-person care.

Find legitimate telehealth services →

Legitimate Telehealth Services for Pain Management

Here are your main options for getting legit pain treatment online. (Not endorsing specific services—do your research.)

Your Primary Care Doctor

Seriously, start here. Most primary care doctors treat common pain conditions and many now offer telehealth.

Pros:

• They know your medical history
• Usually covered by insurance
• Can order imaging or refer to specialists if needed
• Established relationship = more willing to prescribe within reason

Cons:

• Appointment availability might be limited
• Some are very cautious about prescribing pain meds due to scrutiny

General Telehealth Platforms

Teladoc, MDLive, Amwell, Doctor on Demand:

• How they work: On-demand or scheduled video visits with general practitioners
• What they treat: Acute pain from injuries, infections, common conditions. Basic pain management.
• What they prescribe: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, sometimes nerve pain meds. Very unlikely to prescribe controlled substances.
• Cost: Often covered by insurance. Out-of-pocket usually $50-$100 per visit.
• Good to know: Check if your insurance or employer already provides access

Migraine-Specific Services

Cove, Nurx Migraine, others:

• How they work: Specialized in migraine treatment. Questionnaire plus provider review.
• What they prescribe: Triptans, preventive medications, newer CGRP inhibitors
• Cost: Around $20-$50/month for the service, plus medication costs
• Good to know: Good option if you specifically deal with migraines

Mental Health Platforms That Treat Pain

Cerebral, Talkiatry, Brightside:

• Why they’re relevant: Many chronic pain conditions overlap with anxiety/depression. Some medications (duloxetine, amitriptyline) treat both.
• What they prescribe: Nerve pain medications, antidepressants that help with pain
• Cost: $85-$325/month depending on service

Pain Management Telehealth (Emerging)

Some newer platforms focus specifically on chronic pain management, offering multimodal approaches:

• Medication management
• Physical therapy via video
• Pain psychology/CBT for pain
• Care coordination

Examples: Kaer Health, Luna, others. This space is evolving rapidly.

Compounding Pharmacies

Some services work with compounding pharmacies to create custom topical pain treatments (creams, gels with multiple medications mixed together).

These can be effective for localized pain and avoid systemic side effects. Often not covered by insurance though.

What About Apps and Digital Therapeutics?

These don’t prescribe medication but can help with pain management:

• Curable, Lin Health (chronic pain programs)
• Headspace, Calm (meditation for pain)
• PT apps for guided exercises

Worth trying alongside medication.

What You Won’t Find

Don’t waste time looking for:

• Telehealth services that prescribe opioids to new patients
• Online pain clinics that don’t require video consultation
• “Pain management” sites based overseas

These either don’t exist legitimately or are scams.

How to choose the right service →

How to Choose the Right Service for Your Pain

Not all telehealth services make sense for all pain types. Here’s how to match your needs to the right option.

Questions to Ask Yourself

What type of pain do you have?

• Acute injury or strain: General telehealth works
• Migraines: Use migraine-specific service
• Chronic widespread pain: Might need pain psychology component
• Nerve pain: Provider comfortable with gabapentin/duloxetine
• Localized arthritis: Topical treatments might be best

Have you been diagnosed?

• Known diagnosis (arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.): Easier to treat online
• Undiagnosed pain: Might need in-person evaluation first

What treatments have you tried?

• Nothing yet: Start with general provider, try conservative approaches
• OTC meds didn’t help: Ready for prescription options
• Multiple things failed: Need more comprehensive approach, possibly specialist

Do you have insurance?

• If yes: Check which services are in-network
• If no: Look for affordable cash-pay options

How quickly do you need help?

• Urgent pain: On-demand platforms like Teladoc
• Can wait a few days: Scheduled appointments fine

Red Flags Even in “Legitimate” Services

Promises of specific medications before evaluation: “Get your muscle relaxants prescribed guaranteed” is sketchy. Real providers assess first, then decide treatment.

No discussion of non-medication options: Good pain management is multimodal. Providers who only push pills aren’t giving comprehensive care.

Very brief evaluations: If your appointment is only 5 minutes, they’re not getting enough information to treat pain properly.

Prescribing controlled substances too easily: If they’re prescribing muscle relaxants or gabapentin (controlled in some states) without thorough evaluation, questionable practice.

No follow-up: Pain treatment needs monitoring and adjustment. One-and-done prescribing isn’t appropriate.

Learn to spot deadly scam sites →

CRITICAL: How to Spot Fake Pharmacies Selling Deadly Counterfeit Pills

This section could save your life. Pay attention.

🚩 No Prescription Required

THE biggest, reddest flag. Any site selling pain medications—especially opioids—without requiring a legitimate prescription is illegal.

“Buy Percocet online no prescription”
“Vicodin without doctor visit”
“OxyContin overnight delivery no questions asked”

These sites are selling counterfeit pills. Many contain fentanyl. People are dying.

The Fentanyl Crisis Is Real

Fentanyl is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. A dose the size of a few grains of salt can be lethal.

The DEA has found counterfeit pills containing fentanyl that look IDENTICAL to:

• Percocet (oxycodone)
• Vicodin (hydrocodone)
• Xanax
• Adderall

You cannot tell by looking at a pill whether it’s real or fake. Professional-grade pill presses make counterfeits indistinguishable from genuine medication.

Over 150 people die EVERY DAY from fentanyl-laced drugs. Many thought they were taking a legitimate pain pill.

🚩 Based Overseas

Legitimate US pharmacies serving US customers are US-based and licensed by state pharmacy boards.

Warning signs:

• “International pharmacy”
• “Ships from Canada/India/Mexico”
• Prices in foreign currency
• Domain ending in .to, .cc, .ru, or other unusual extensions
• Broken English on the website

These operations are illegal and unregulated. What they send you is anyone’s guess.

🚩 Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices

“Percocet – $2 per pill! No prescription needed!”

That’s fake. Real prescription pain medications have real costs. Dramatically below-market prices mean either:

• Counterfeit pills (potentially deadly)
• Scam—you send money, get nothing

🚩 Accepts Only Untraceable Payment

Legitimate pharmacies take normal payments: credit cards, insurance, FSA/HSA cards.

If they only accept:

• Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, etc.)
• Wire transfer
• Gift cards
• Money orders
• Western Union, MoneyGram

…they want untraceable payment because they’re operating illegally.

🚩 No Verifiable Contact Information

Can’t find:

• Physical address?
• Phone number?
• State pharmacy license number?
• Pharmacist name and credentials?

Real pharmacies must publicly display this information. If it’s missing or you can only contact them through email/contact forms, don’t use them.

🚩 Spelling Errors and Sketchy Design

Not foolproof, but if the website looks like it was made in 1999 and has obvious spelling/grammar errors, that’s concerning.

Companies handling prescription medications should have professional, functional websites.

🚩 Social Media “Pharmacies”

Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram accounts claiming to sell prescription pain pills are 100% scams or worse—dealers selling fentanyl-laced counterfeits.

Legitimate pharmacies don’t operate through social media DMs.

How to Verify a Pharmacy Is Legitimate

Before using ANY online pharmacy, check these databases:

NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy):

• Look for VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) accreditation
• Check safe.pharmacy database
• They also maintain a list of rogue pharmacies to avoid

LegitScript:

• Independent verification service for online pharmacies
• Search their database to confirm legitimacy

Your State Board of Pharmacy:

• Every state licenses pharmacies operating within its borders
• Verify the pharmacy is properly licensed

If a pharmacy isn’t verified by at least one of these, DO NOT USE IT.

Real Stories, Real Deaths

This isn’t theoretical:

• College student bought “Percocet” online for back pain. It contained fentanyl. He died.
• Woman ordered “anxiety medication” from overseas pharmacy. Pills were contaminated. She had seizures.
• Man bought “pain pills” from social media. Fake pills laced with fentanyl. Dead at 32.

These stories repeat hundreds of times every week across the country.

Don’t become a statistic. If you can’t get pain medication through legitimate channels, that sucks—but it’s better than being dead.

Learn about real costs for legitimate treatment →

What Does It Actually Cost to Get Pain Relief Medication Online?

Let’s break down real numbers for legitimate treatment.

Telehealth Visit Costs

Initial consultation: $40-$200 depending on service and provider type

• On-demand general telehealth (Teladoc, MDLive): $50-$90
• Scheduled video visit with specialist: $100-$200
• Primary care doctor telehealth: Usually your normal copay ($20-$50 with insurance)

Follow-up visits: $40-$150 depending on service

Specialized pain programs: Some subscription-based services charge $100-$300/month for comprehensive pain management including multiple provider types.

Medication Costs

Varies dramatically by medication and insurance coverage.

With Insurance (Typical Copays):

Generic NSAIDs: $5-$20/month

• Ibuprofen 800mg: $5-$10
• Naproxen: $5-$15
• Meloxicam: $5-$20

Brand NSAIDs: $30-$100/month

• Celebrex (celecoxib): $30-$60 if covered, $200+ if not preferred

Muscle relaxants: $10-$30/month

• Cyclobenzaprine: $10-$20
• Tizanidine: $15-$30

Nerve pain medications: $10-$60/month

• Gabapentin: $10-$25
• Pregabalin (Lyrica): $30-$60 generic, $300+ brand
• Duloxetine: $15-$40

Migraine medications:

• Generic triptans: $15-$40/month
• Newer CGRP inhibitors: $50-$150 copay (sometimes $600+ without insurance)

Without Insurance (Cash Prices):

Most affordable:

• Ibuprofen 800mg: $10-$25/month
• Naproxen: $10-$30/month
• Cyclobenzaprine: $10-$30/month
• Gabapentin: $15-$40/month

Mid-range:

• Meloxicam: $15-$50/month
• Tizanidine: $20-$60/month
• Generic triptans: $20-$80/month
• Duloxetine: $25-$70/month

Expensive without insurance:

• Celebrex (brand): $200-$300/month
• Brand Lyrica: $500-$700/month
• CGRP migraine meds: $700-$1000/month

Total Monthly Cost Examples

Scenario 1: Acute back pain, using insurance

• Teladoc visit through employer: $0-$50 copay
• Cyclobenzaprine + naproxen: $15 copay
• Total: $15-$65 one-time

Scenario 2: Chronic nerve pain, with insurance

• Primary care doctor video visit: $30 copay
• Gabapentin: $15 copay
• Total first month: $45, then $15/month for refills

Scenario 3: Migraines, paying cash

• Migraine service (Cove): $30/month
• Generic sumatriptan with GoodRx: $25
• Total: $55/month

Scenario 4: Chronic pain, comprehensive program

• Pain management subscription service: $200/month
• Medications (duloxetine + topical): $40 with insurance
• Total: $240/month

Ways to Save Money

Always ask for generics. Generic pain medications work the same as brand names but cost 80-90% less.

Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards. These can cut cash prices in half or more. Just show the coupon at checkout.

Shop around pharmacies. Same medication might be $50 at CVS and $15 at Costco:

• Costco (don’t need membership for pharmacy)
• Walmart, Sam’s Club
• Amazon Pharmacy
• Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs (transparent pricing, often cheapest)

Check for manufacturer coupons. Brand-name drugs often have savings programs that reduce copays, especially for newer medications like CGRP inhibitors.

Ask about pill splitting. Some medications can be prescribed at higher doses and cut in half. Not appropriate for all meds, but saves money when it works.

Try OTC first for some conditions. Prescription-strength ibuprofen (800mg) = four OTC ibuprofen (200mg each). Sometimes the OTC route is cheaper.

Use FSA/HSA funds. Pre-tax money can cover telehealth visits and medications, effectively giving you a discount.

Look into patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, pharmaceutical companies often have programs that provide medication at low or no cost based on income.

Understanding insurance coverage →

Insurance Coverage for Online Pain Treatment

Insurance for telehealth pain management can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know.

Telehealth Visit Coverage

In-network providers: Covered the same as in-person visits. You pay your normal copay.

Most insurance plans now cover telehealth for pain management at parity with in-person visits (required by many states post-COVID).

Out-of-network providers: You pay upfront, submit claims for partial reimbursement. Reimbursement varies—might be 50-80%, might be nothing until you meet your deductible.

Dedicated telehealth platforms are often out-of-network. Check before assuming coverage.

Medication Coverage

Once you have a valid prescription, your pharmacy benefit covers it the same regardless of whether it came from telehealth or in-person.

Coverage depends on:

• Medication tier: Generic tier 1 (cheapest copay) vs. brand tier 3 (highest copay)
• Formulary: Some plans don’t cover certain medications at all or require trying others first (step therapy)
• Quantity limits: Maximum pills per month, especially for controlled substances

Prior Authorization Headaches

Some pain medications require prior authorization—your doctor has to justify to insurance why you need it.

Commonly requires PA:

• Brand-name drugs when generics exist
• Newer, expensive medications (CGRP inhibitors)
• Higher doses or quantities
• Certain controlled substances

This process delays getting your medication by several days to weeks. Frustrating but sometimes unavoidable.

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare: Covers telehealth for pain management. Coverage expanded during COVID and largely remained. Check if specific platforms accept Medicare.

Medicaid: Coverage varies by state. Some states have excellent telehealth coverage, others more limited. Check your state’s specific Medicaid telehealth policies.

FSA and HSA

Can be used for:

• Telehealth visit costs
• Prescription pain medications
• OTC pain relievers if you get a prescription for them
• Some non-medication treatments (depending on account rules)

Critical safety information →

Safety: What You Must Know About Pain Medications

Pain medications can help tremendously. They can also cause serious problems if not used properly.

NSAID Risks

NSAIDs seem safe because they’re available OTC, but they have real risks:

Stomach problems:

• Ulcers, bleeding, upset stomach
• Higher risk with long-term use or high doses
• Take with food, consider adding stomach protector (omeprazole) if using chronically

Cardiovascular risks:

• Increased heart attack and stroke risk, especially at high doses
• Worse for people with existing heart disease
• Use lowest effective dose for shortest time needed

Kidney damage:

• Long-term NSAID use can harm kidneys
• Higher risk if you’re dehydrated or have existing kidney issues
• Stay well-hydrated, get kidney function checked if using long-term

NSAIDs aren’t benign just because they’re common. Respect the risks.

Muscle Relaxant Cautions

Drowsiness is real:

• Don’t drive or operate machinery
• Be careful with stairs, cooking, anything requiring coordination
• Effects can last into the next day

Mixing with alcohol is dangerous: Both are CNS depressants. Together they can cause extreme sedation, slowed breathing, dangerous falls.

Not meant for long-term use: Muscle relaxants are typically for acute muscle spasms, not chronic daily use. If you’re taking them daily for months, something’s wrong with the treatment plan.

Gabapentin and Pregabalin

Takes time to work: Don’t expect immediate pain relief. Nerve pain meds take weeks to reach full effectiveness.

Abuse potential: While originally thought to be non-addictive, gabapentin abuse is now recognized. Some states have made it a controlled substance.

Withdrawal can happen: Don’t stop suddenly after prolonged use. Taper gradually under doctor supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Interactions: Can increase effects of opioids and other sedating medications. Tell your doctor about everything you’re taking.

Antidepressants for Pain

Duloxetine, amitriptyline, etc.:

• Take 4-6 weeks to work fully for pain
• Withdrawal can be rough if stopped suddenly—taper gradually
• Can interact with other medications
• May worsen certain conditions (amitriptyline can raise eye pressure, worsen urinary retention)

Topical Medications Are Generally Safest

Topical pain treatments (diclofenac gel, lidocaine patches, compounded creams) have the fewest systemic side effects because they work locally.

They’re not strong enough for severe pain, but for localized pain they’re often the safest long-term option.

Warning Signs to Contact Your Doctor Immediately

• Black or bloody stools (NSAID-related bleeding)
• Severe stomach pain
• Chest pain or symptoms of heart attack/stroke
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Thoughts of self-harm (some pain meds affect mood)
• Signs of dependence or needing higher doses

The Opioid Talk

If you are on opioids (even if prescribed legitimately):

• Store them securely where others can’t access them
• Never share your medication
• Dispose of unused pills properly (pharmacy take-back programs)
• Be aware of overdose signs (extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing, can’t be woken up)
• Consider having naloxone (Narcan) available—it reverses opioid overdoses
• Never mix with alcohol or benzodiazepines

Non-medication pain management options →

Should You Try Non-Medication Approaches Too?

Medication can be an important part of pain management. But it’s rarely the complete answer, especially for chronic pain.

Why Medication Alone Often Isn’t Enough

Chronic pain is complicated. It involves:

• Physical tissue damage or dysfunction
• Nervous system changes (central sensitization)
• Psychological factors (stress, depression, anxiety)
• Social factors (work limitations, relationship impacts)
• Behavioral patterns that maintain pain

Medication addresses some of this, but multimodal treatment works better.

Physical Therapy (Actually Works)

For many musculoskeletal pain conditions, PT has better long-term outcomes than medication alone.

What it involves:

• Specific exercises to address your problem
• Manual therapy
• Education about movement patterns
• Progressive strengthening

Good for: Back pain, neck pain, joint pain, post-injury recovery, chronic musculoskeletal conditions

The catch: Requires effort and commitment. Might hurt more initially (therapeutic pain vs. harmful pain). Takes weeks to months to see full benefits.

Where to get it: In-person PT is ideal, but telehealth PT is becoming more available (Hinge Health, Sword Health, others)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pain

CBT for chronic pain helps you cope better and often reduces pain intensity.

What it involves:

• Identifying thought patterns that worsen pain
• Developing better coping strategies
• Pacing activities to avoid boom-bust cycles
• Addressing fear-avoidance behaviors
• Relaxation and stress management

Evidence: Strong research support, especially for back pain, fibromyalgia, headaches

Where to get it: Pain psychologists, some telehealth platforms, apps like Curable or Lin Health

Exercise (Counterintuitive But Effective)

For many chronic pain conditions, appropriate exercise reduces pain long-term.

Start gently, progress gradually. The key is consistency, not intensity.

Particularly good for: Arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, chronic widespread pain

Mind-Body Techniques

Options that have research support:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Guided imagery
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Biofeedback
• Yoga (gentle, adapted for pain)
• Tai chi

Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer can guide you. Some are specifically designed for pain.

Other Approaches Worth Considering

Acupuncture: Some evidence for certain pain types, especially back pain and osteoarthritis

Massage therapy: Can provide temporary relief, may help with muscle-related pain

Heat and cold therapy: Simple but often effective for acute pain

TENS units: Electrical stimulation devices—work for some people, not others

Addressing Underlying Contributors

Sleep: Poor sleep makes pain worse. Improving sleep often reduces pain.

Stress: Chronic stress amplifies pain. Stress management helps.

Depression/anxiety: Often co-occur with chronic pain. Treating mental health improves pain outcomes.

Weight (for joint pain): Losing weight if overweight can significantly reduce arthritis pain in weight-bearing joints.

The Best Approach: Combination

Research consistently shows: multimodal treatment (medication + physical interventions + psychological approaches + lifestyle changes) works better than any single approach.

Use medication to make the pain manageable enough that you can engage in PT, exercise, and other active treatments. Those active treatments then reduce your need for medication over time.

Frequently asked questions →

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Pain Medication Online

Can I get opioids prescribed online?

In most cases, no. Federal law (Ryan Haight Act) requires an in-person medical evaluation before prescribing controlled substances online. Very limited exceptions exist for established patients or certain specialized situations, but new patients cannot get opioids through telehealth.

What pain medications CAN I get online?

NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications (gabapentin, duloxetine), migraine medications, topical treatments, and some other non-opioid options. Basically everything except opioids and tramadol (which is also highly restricted).

Do I need a previous pain diagnosis?

Not necessarily. Providers can diagnose common pain conditions during telehealth visits. However, some pain requires in-person examination, imaging, or specialist evaluation that can’t be done virtually.

How long does it take to get pain medication after signing up?

For urgent care platforms: Can get seen same-day, medication shipped within 3-7 days. For scheduled appointments: Might wait a few days for the visit, then 5-10 days for pharmacy fulfillment and shipping.

Will pain medication cure my pain?

Depends on the cause. Acute pain from injury might resolve with medication and time. Chronic pain usually requires ongoing management—medication helps control symptoms but often doesn’t “cure” the underlying problem.

Can I use these services for chronic pain management?

Yes, but with limitations. Chronic pain is complex and ideally involves multimodal treatment (medication, PT, psychology, etc.). Simple medication-only management through telehealth might work for straightforward cases but complex chronic pain usually needs more comprehensive care.

What if the first medication doesn’t work?

Try something else. Pain medication response is individual. What doesn’t work for you might work for someone else and vice versa. Give each medication a fair trial (usually 1-2 weeks for most, longer for nerve pain meds), then reassess with your provider.

How do I know if a pharmacy is legitimate?

Check verification databases: NABP’s VIPPS accreditation at safe.pharmacy, LegitScript certification, and your state board of pharmacy. If the pharmacy isn’t verified by at least one of these, don’t use it.

Are generic pain medications as good as brand names?

Yes, for the vast majority of people. Generic medications contain the same active ingredient at the same dose. Inactive ingredients differ, which very rarely affects some individuals, but generally they work identically at a fraction of the cost.

Can I drink alcohol while taking pain medication?

Depends on the medication. NSAIDs + alcohol increases stomach bleeding risk. Muscle relaxants + alcohol is dangerous (both are CNS depressants). Opioids + alcohol can be lethal. Generally safer to avoid alcohol when taking pain meds.

Will my employer find out I’m taking pain medication?

No. Your medical information is protected by HIPAA. If using employer insurance, the insurance company knows (they process claims) but doesn’t share specifics with your employer.

What’s the difference between acute and chronic pain treatment?

Acute pain (injury, post-surgery, infection): Short-term medication use, focus on healing, often resolves. Chronic pain (lasting 3+ months): Long-term management strategy, multimodal approach usually needed, focus on function not just pain elimination.

Can I get muscle relaxants for chronic tension?

Short-term, yes. Long-term daily use of muscle relaxants isn’t recommended—tolerance develops and they’re not addressing the underlying problem. Better approach: figure out what’s causing the tension (stress, poor posture, etc.) and address that, possibly with PT, stress management, etc.

Read final thoughts →

Final Thoughts: Getting Real Pain Relief Safely

Chronic pain is brutal. It affects everything—your mood, your sleep, your relationships, your ability to work, your quality of life. And the healthcare system often makes getting help harder than it needs to be.

Telehealth has made access easier for many types of pain. Video appointments from home. No commute. Often faster than traditional routes. For people with mobility issues or those living in areas without many pain specialists, this can be genuinely life-changing.

But You Need to Be Realistic

If you’re hoping for opioids through online services, you’ll almost certainly be disappointed. The regulations are strict for a reason—the opioid crisis killed hundreds of thousands of people and is still killing over 100,000 per year.

This doesn’t mean your pain isn’t real or severe. It means the healthcare system has overcorrected from the days of overprescribing, and now access is extremely restricted.

What you CAN get online—NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications, migraine treatments—helps many people. It might not be as immediately powerful as opioids, but these medications work for a lot of pain conditions.

Please, PLEASE Don’t Buy from Sketchy Sites

Sites promising “Percocet no prescription” are selling counterfeit pills. Many contain fentanyl. People are dying every single day from fake pills bought online.

I know pain makes you desperate. I know the legitimate healthcare system feels impossible sometimes. But please don’t risk your life buying from illegal sites.

If you can’t get the pain relief you need through legitimate channels, that’s awful—but it’s not worth dying over.

Medication Isn’t the Whole Answer

For chronic pain especially, the best outcomes come from combining medication with other approaches: physical therapy, pain psychology, exercise, lifestyle changes, and addressing underlying contributors.

Medication can be part of the solution, sometimes a crucial part. But expecting pills alone to solve complex pain problems usually leads to disappointment.

You Deserve Pain Relief

Pain isn’t something you should just “tough out” or accept. Seeking treatment is appropriate and legitimate.

Just do it safely, through legal channels, with proper medical oversight. Your health—and your life—depend on it.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to get help for pain:

1. Start with your primary care doctor if you have one—ask about telehealth options
2. If that’s not possible, choose a legitimate telehealth service appropriate for your pain type
3. Be prepared to describe your pain in detail: location, quality, what makes it better/worse, how it affects your life
4. List what you’ve already tried (OTC meds, PT, other treatments)
5. Be honest about your medical history and what you’re hoping treatment will accomplish
6. Be open to trying different medications or combinations
7. Consider non-medication approaches alongside medication
8. Follow up about how treatment is working—pain management requires adjustment

You don’t have to live in constant pain. Get help. But get it safely.