Are Pain Killers Safe Over Long Term?
Question: I have been using painkillers for over a year. What are the dangers from long-term use?
It depends on the type of painkiller and the dose.
Large doses of Tylenol (acetaminophen) can harm the liver. Large doses of the common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), like aspirin, Motrin (ibuprofen), and Naprosyn (naproxyn), can irritate the stomach and stomach ulcers. They can also hurt the kidneys.
The most powerful painkillers are narcotics. The most commonly used ones are codeine (most often prescribed as Percocet, generic name oxycodone) and methadone (used to treat heroin addiction). Narcotics can cause fatigue, constipation, foggy thinking, and dependency–and unconsciousness (or death) if mixed with alcohol.
Dependency means that if the drug is suddenly stopped or tapered off too fast, the person experiences withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and nausea. Severe withdrawal can even cause a person to collapse.
Anyone who has been using painkillers for over a year should speak with their doctor about the potential side effects, and about alternative medicines that might be used instead.
Related Articles
- Older Women and Substance Abuse
Some people stereotype drug addicted people as poor, young, minority folks who smoke crack cocaine. But the reality is that older women on alcohol, cigarettes,.... - Addiction - When the Pain Is Gone But the Craving Remains
Missy is a 30-year-old woman who admits to having abused prescription painkillers for several years. “I was first introduced to narcotic painkillers when I had.... - How to Act In Case of an Asthma Emergency
Many people think that asthma attacks happen suddenly, but they’re wrong. Doctors recognize, however, that usually there is a gradual increase in inflammation in the.... - Causes and Relief of Constipation
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says constipation is the most common digestive problem in the country, prompting two million doctor visits and $725 million.... - Headache Medicine: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Once upon a time, people who suffered daily headaches took to darkened rooms with lilac-scented, damp cloths on their foreheads and snoozed the afternoon away.....
Other Posts
Sleep Aides: 10 Tips to a Good Night’s Sleep
Wintertime Skin Care Tips
