What are the different side-effects of painkillers?

Painkillers, medically known as analgesics, are medication used for the treatment of different types of pain in the body. Pain acts as an indication of an internal or external problem in the body that needs treatment.

There are two types of pain, acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is usually short-lived periods of discomfort ranging from moderate to severe and may indicate an external or internal injury. Chronic pain lasts longer and is usually an indication for an underlying disease. Pain usually causes irritability, dizziness, anxiety, and weakness, among others. Pain treatments are usually taken to manage the symptoms of pain if the underlying problem is unknown.

Just like any other medication, even the best painkillers cause short-term and long-term side effects. The side-effects usually occur depending on age, tolerance, previous misuse or abuse of medication, medical history, co-morbid diseases, and current psychiatric state. Short-term side-effects include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, and shallow breathing.

A few examples of long-term side-effects include heart, lung and liver problems, stomach ulcers, allergies, extreme sedation, high BP, dependency and withdrawal symptoms. The side-effects of painkillers do not generate from the medication itself, but is brought about by surrounding factors.

Different types of painkillers

There are four different types of pain meds that target different types of pain in the body. These four types are the best painkillers treat pain ranging from mild to severe and may interact with each other to produce stronger effects. These medications are available on prescription and some can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC). The following describes each type of painkiller:

• NSAID’s: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be bought over-the-counter; however, strong painkillers in this category will require a prescription. This medication not only relieves pain, but also reduces inflammation.

There are around 20 different types of NSAID’s that are being sold. Popular examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, high-dose aspirin, diclofenac, and mefenamic acid. They come in tablets, liquid, gels, patches and sprays. This painkiller should only be taken short-term and should not be mixed with other NSAID’s or aspirin as it could result in serious adverse effects.

• Opioid painkillers: This type of analgesic is usually used as a final treatment when other analgesics have not been successful. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain and may not be taken over a long period of time.

This medication has a higher risk of dependency if usage instructions are not followed. This medication comes in the form of liquids, tablets or patches. Common examples of this medication are codeine, fentanyl, morphine, tramadol, tapentadol, and dihydrocodeine.

• Non-opioid painkillers: This is the most common type of painkiller and can be bought over-the-counter; popular examples include paracetamol and aspirin (related to NSAID’s as they are COX-2 inhibitors). Non-opioids are used for the treatment of pain ranging from mild to moderate.
• Compound painkillers: This type of painkiller is produced by the combination of a low dose of opioids and aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen. Most of these painkillers are available over-the-counter and the strong painkillers are available via some online pharmacies with script, while in some countries a script may not be required.

How do painkillers work?

The different types of painkillers work in different ways but have the same goal of relieving pain and reducing inflammation is some cases. Humans have opiate receptors and opioid analgesics bind to these receptors in the spinal cord, brain and other parts of the body to mimic the pain relieving chemicals and reduce the perception and sensation of pain.

These pain-relieving chemicals are known as endorphins and function to reduce pain and stress in the body by producing feelings of euphoria and blocking out pain sensations; opioids act to speed up this process. Compound painkillers work in the same way as opioids.

NSAID’s work in a different way, they reduce activity of enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 or COX-2), therefore NSAID’s are sometimes referred to as COX inhibitors. COX-1 enzymes’ purpose is to keep the lining of the stomach healthy, while COX-2 produces hormones called prostaglandins, which control swelling, pain and fever.

Specifically, these work to reduce pain and inflammation. Non-opioid painkillers work in a similar way as NSAID’s by blocking pain signals to the brain and decreasing sensation in the area pain is experienced.

Usage of the different pain medication

Painkillers come in different forms, such as capsules, tablets, patches, gels, and sprays. Doses for each individual will differ depending on multiple factors mentioned previously. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the correct dose according to the severity of the pain.

It is important to know which type of painkiller to use for the different conditions we may have. Having this information may be helpful if we have other co-occurring conditions, allergies or we are taking other medication. Opioids are usually used to treat moderate to severe acute pain such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and injuries of the body during a short period of time. It is also used by cancer-patients who suffer cancer-related pains.

NSAID’s are used to treat chronic and acute pain as well as reduce inflammation and bring down fever. This medication is used for menstrual pain, back pain, arthritis (joint pains), headaches, muscle sprains, and colds and flu. It is also sometimes used to treat pain post-surgery.

Non-opioids and compound pain meds are usually used to treat mild to moderate common pains such as headaches, small injuries and osteoarthritis. Compound painkillers are available in shops and over-the-counter. These are the different types of painkillers to take note of.

Precautions when using painkillers

Although these offer reduction in pain and inflammation, it is important to note that if misused or abused, these painkillers may have serious adverse effects. Below are a few general precautions you can take to avoid serious side-effects of painkillers:

• Do not use alcohol with pain medication as this may cause increased sedation and loss of concentration, among other effects.
• Use medication as prescribed and do not increase dosage without proper research or advice.
• Make sure you are using painkillers for the prescribed period of time as if use is prolonged you may form a dependency or addiction that can cause serious adverse effects.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ensure you speak to your doctor about the safe use of over-the-counter medication or stronger pharmaceuticals.
• If you have allergies, co-morbid disease or any co-occurring conditions, exercise great caution and seek advice if necessary.
• Do not administer painkillers with other strong sedatives as this may cause extreme sedation.