The Short And Long-Term Health Effects Of Pain Relievers

The relief of pain is an essential aspect of healthcare, and pain relievers are among the most commonly used medications. In the United States, pain relievers are widely prescribed, and over-the-counter pain relievers are among the most frequently purchased medications. Given the widespread use of these drugs, it's essential to examine their short and long-term health effects. 

Main Types Of Pain Relievers

The following are the general types of pain relievers:

• Acetaminophen: Also known as paracetamol, acetaminophen can help with mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, sore throats, and fever. 
• NSAID: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. They can help reduce swelling and fever.
• Opioids: Also known as narcotics, opioids are the most potent pain relievers. Your doctor may prescribe them if your pain is chronic or severe and not relieved by over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.  

One common question many people have is: Can I take ibuprofen with Panadol? And the answer is that it's safe to take these two medications together. In fact, combinations of ibuprofen and paracetamol (generic name of Panadol) are often used to manage acute pain. The recommended dose for children 12 years and above up to adults below 65 years is 500 milligrams (mg) of paracetamol and 150 to 200 mg of ibuprofen every eight hours.  Pain relievers can help people with various conditions, including headaches, muscle pain, and arthritis. Keep reading to understand pain relievers' short-term and long-term effects on your health. 

Short-Term Effects Of Pain Relievers 

The following are some of the common short-term effects of pain relievers: 

• Immediate Pain Relief: When taken as directed, pain relievers can provide immediate relief by blocking pain signals in the brain. 

Studies show that pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, but higher doses may be needed. These pain relievers allowed patients to continue their daily activities and improve their overall quality of life. 

• Fever Reducer: Aside from an elevated body temperature (104.4° Fahrenheit or higher), fever is typically accompanied by chills, body aches, and fatigue. Over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used to get the fever under control. 

However, if the fever doesn't respond to medications and persists for more than three days, consider seeking medical attention.

• Inflammation Relief: When you suffer an injury or become exposed to a virus or bacteria, your body activates your immune system. It sends inflammatory cells to heal the injured tissue or attack the virus or bacteria. This can result in swelling accompanied by pain or redness. 

Since inflammation is a part of your body's immune response, it doesn't always need treatment. However, your doctor may prescribe OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage chronic inflammation. Some diseases associated with chronic inflammation include rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

• Drowsiness: Opioid pain relievers may cause drowsiness, which affects a person's ability to perform daily activities. Drowsiness can be dangerous while driving or operating heavy machinery. It's vital to be aware of this side effect and avoid engaging in activities that require alertness after taking this type of pain reliever.

If you experience persistent or severe drowsiness after taking pain relievers, talk to your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your medication regimen. 

• Dizziness:  Since opioids are powerful pain relievers, they may cause dizziness. They affect the central nervous system, causing changes in blood flow to the brain and leading to dizziness. Aside from dizziness, opioids may sometimes cause other symptoms, such as lightheadedness, blurred vision, or nausea. 
• Stomach Upset: A possible side effect of taking NSAIDs is stomach upset. These medications may irritate the lining of the stomach, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Additionally, they may interfere with the production of protective mucus in the stomach, potentially leading to ulcers. 

To help prevent stomach irritation and ulcer, take your pain medication after a full meal or along with an antacid. Not everyone will experience stomach upset when taking pain relievers, but if you do, talk to your doctor about treatment options.  As you can see, over-the-counter pain medications can bring relief from pain, swelling, and other discomforts. However, it's essential to follow the recommended dosage and other instructions on the label. 

Long-Term Effects Of Pain Relievers 

Pain medications offer significant benefits such as better pain management, helping improve your capacity to function physically, whether personally or professionally. If you're dealing with chronic or severe pain, these medications can enhance your overall well-being and quality of life. However, it's important to note that some pain relievers, particularly opioids, may have some unfavorable long-term effects.

• Increased Risk Of Addiction And Dependence: When taken as directed, opioids can provide effective relief from pain. However, their long-term use can increase the risk of addiction and dependence. 

Addiction is a psychological and physical dependence on a substance that can lead to compulsive behavior and negative consequences. When someone becomes addicted to opioids, they may continue using the drug despite knowing the harm they bring to their health or relationships.  Furthermore, addiction can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped, including intense cravings and physical symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, and muscle pain.  To avoid addiction to prescription opioids, follow your doctor's instructions carefully and seek clarification if you have any concerns. 

• Increased Risk Of Cardiovascular Events: Long-term use of opioids has been linked to an increased risk of heart rhythm abnormalities that may lead to severe cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. This may be due to structural changes in the cardiovascular system brought on by prolonged exposure to opioids.   

According to the American Heart Association, opioid overdose often results in cardiac arrest. They note that in cardiac arrests involving opioids, hypoxia or lack of oxygen occurs before the heart stops beating, which may cause brain damage. It cannot be stressed enough that prescription opioids should not be misused.  To avoid the harmful effects discussed above, utmost care should be exercised when taking pain relievers for a prolonged period. 

Conclusion 

Pain relievers can alleviate pain and discomfort but may cause adverse side effects in some cases. Powerful painkillers like opioids may be habit-forming if taken in a way other than directed by a physician. It's important to talk to a healthcare provider about pain relievers' benefits and risks as well as follow their instructions when using these medications.