Painkillers are commonly used to relieve headaches, muscle pain, back pain, toothaches, menstrual cramps and fever-related discomfort. They can provide quick relief and help people return to their daily activities. But taking painkillers too often, using the wrong dosage or taking them without medical advice can cause health problems.
Painkillers are safe to take, too, if people know the side effects of the drug.
What are painkillers?
Painkillers (also known as analgesics) are drugs that relieve pain. Common drugs are paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin and prescription drugs like opioids.
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Painkillers work differently. Paracetamol is commonly used for pain and fever and ibuprofen is for pain, inflammation and swelling. Stronger prescription medicines may be recommended for severe pain under medical supervision.
Although these medicines can be effective, the safety of these medicines is a matter of medicine, dosage, duration of use and of course health of the patient.
Common Side Effects of Painkillers
And the effects of painkillers do have mild side effects.
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The common side effects may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain or indigestion
- Heartburn
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Constipation, especially with opioid medicines
Not everybody experiences these effects. Medications that are labeled and taken by the doctor, or by a doctor in this case can help reduce risk.
How Painkillers Affect the Stomach
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin can irritate the stomach lining. Regular use or high doses may increase the risk of stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
The risk may be higher in older people and those who have suffered stomach ulcers or take blood-thinning medicines.
People who are in very bad stomach pain, vomit blood or have black, tarry stools should seek immediate medical attention.
Effects on the Liver and Kidneys
If you take too much paracetamol, your liver can be damaged in a big way with no immediate symptoms. People should check if any of their other medicines are paracetamol-based, so they wouldn’t unnecessarily ingest more than the recommended dose.
NSAIDs affect kidney function, especially in patients with existing kidney disease, dehydration and other medical conditions. Long-term use may also raise blood pressure.
Before using painkillers, people with liver and kidney disease should consult a physician.
Can Frequent Painkiller Use Cause Headaches?
Hence, heavy use of certain painkillers can lead to medication-overuse headaches. This type of headache may be caused when medicines are taken for headaches too frequently, and more commonly.
People who have headaches frequently and are on painkillers that they have to take painkillers need to seek medical advice rather than increase their dose.
Risks of Strong Prescription Painkillers
Opioids can be useful for certain kinds of severe pain. But they can be a cause of drowsiness, constipation and breathing problems. And with long exposure tolerance and physical dependence and addiction can occur.
Those medicines should only be taken as prescribed. They should not be mixed with alcohol or sedatives unless a healthcare professional specifically advises it is safe.
Tips for Taking Painkillers Safely
People can minimize risks by taking the few precautions that are necessary:
- Take the recommended dose and never exceed the instructions.
- Avoid combining medicines that have the same active ingredient.
- Do not use someone else's prescription medicine.
- Before taking painkillers regularly consult a doctor.
- Ask a healthcare professional if you have health issues in pregnancy or have your existing health condition and ask him or her for a safe option.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
So seek urgent medical attention for difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or suspected painkiller overdose. Do not wait for symptoms to appear after a possible overdose.
Conclusion
Painkillers can be effective for pain relief when used in the right way, but use of them in an unnecessary or excessive manner can damage the stomach, liver, kidneys and other parts of the body. Medications should be chosen wisely and patients should go to the doctor when pain continues and the cause is not clear.
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