Painkillers are a blessing when suffering badly from pain. They help us cope with the pain to survive the day. I have been diagnosed with migraine for 8 years now, and ever since then, I have been taking painkillers. These painkillers have become a part of my life, but sometimes a question pops up in my head out of nowhere. Are painkillers harmful?

 This a common belief that the excess of everything is bad. Anything consumed beyond the required limit can lead to serious consequences. Does this apply to painkillers as well? In this article, we will review how painkillers work and what are the disadvantages of too many painkillers.

How painkillers work

There are two types of painkillers, over-the-counter (for mild pain and fevers) and opioids (for serious injury, chronic pain, or after surgery). Our body has a system of communicating with the pain. We feel pain because our central nervous system sends signals to opiate receptors in our brains that result in a feeling of discomfort. Painkillers help in relieving that discomfort. A painkiller when taken does these things in our body

• ·         It discourages the central nervous system, making it hard to transmit signals to the brain
• ·         It attaches to opiate receptors to obstruct pain signals to reach the brain
• ·         It causes a feeling of relaxation and ecstasy, numbness to the pain you were feeling previously

Drawbacks of Taking too Many Painkillers

Drug overdose, whether intentional or accidental, is an abuse that may lead to serious long-term consequences. Painkillers taken to get rid of the pain may end up giving more just because you consumed it wrong. Below is the list of the disadvantages of too many painkillers

1.   Side effects of over-the-counter

Over-the-counter medication includes as NSAIDs, Aspirin, Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Naproxen. Their consumption in large amounts can have the following side effects

• ·         Aspirin overdose may cause stomach bleeding
• ·         Too much Ibuprofen causes kidney problems
• ·         Stomach ulcers
• ·         Fluid confinement
• ·         High blood pressure

If you are habitually taking these medications, and notice any changes in your body, consult a doctor.

2.   Side effects of opioids

 Overdose of painkillers has many side effects like

• ·         Constipation
• ·         Nausea
• ·         Drowsiness
• ·         Dizziness
• ·         Weakened immune system
• ·         Itching and more sweating
• ·         Body needs more of that drug for the same effect with time
• ·         Tooth decay
• ·         Bone loss
• ·         Heavy breathing

Opioid over-intake can even stop breathing. These pain relievers are addictive in nature, as they block the pain signals and cause a pleasant effect. Therefore, follow the instructions of the doctor carefully.

3.   Spread of Common Cold and Flue

Painkillers are commonly consumed for the common cold and flu, and it does work. However, overuse may cause antibiotic resistance as it can change bacteria to such an extent that antibiotics can’t fight them. You may end up having a long period of this illness and may spread it as well to the people around you.

4.   Severe Headache

According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Painkillers like aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen used for more than 15 days in a month are drug overdose. Aspirin can also cause the stomach to bleed if taken for a longer time.  Instead of relieving pain, people end up having more severe headaches as time passes.

5.   Depression

Depression is not an unfamiliar term to many people. It is associated with chronic stress and long-lasting sadness. Researchers have found that the use of opioid analgesics for a prolonged period may lead to depression. So, a query arises how many painkillers can I take at a time? This question should be consulted with the doctor. Every painkiller has its duration of saving action.

6.   Kidney Damage

An analgesic taken by a person is released into the bloodstream and finally eliminated after getting refined by the kidneys. However, this process is not so simple when one takes too many painkillers. During the process of filtration, the drugs can disturb the blood flow to the kidneys, causing an allergic reaction to the kidneys. According to a study, over-the-counter as well as opioids may lead to 20% of cases of acute kidney failure.

7.   Drug Addiction

Morphine is a very useful drug that is used to relieve severe pain from a major injury. It is used in hospitals however its common use is not at all favorable. Drug addiction is a worldwide issue, more common in young people, its misuse can lead to death. Painkiller abuse is one of the most difficult drug addictions to treat.

Conclusion

Painkillers are no double pain relieving yet they are not so reliable. There over usage not only causes minor problems but can also cost your life. It is never a wise approach to use drugs without proper guidance. It is highly recommended to avoid such things which may lead to addiction.

References

https://silverpinestreatmentcenter.com/addiction-blog/the-side-effects-of-taking-too-many-painkillers/

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/drug-overdose

https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/6-reasons-you-should-stop-taking-too-many-painkillers-133792/