Overusing pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin can have serious consequences. Used in correct doses for the duration stated on the packaging is safe for most people, and can even have health benefits. But many people abuse over-the-counter medications, leading to serious health problems.
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and some cancers might be helped with moderate uses of these drugs, and the benefits of aspirin during a heart attack are widely known. Overdose, however can cause problems ranging from an upset stomach to organ failure to death. Same preventive measures are being taught in many medicare online colleges.
It is unclear why moderate use of certain pain medications provides any health benefit, especially to the brain.
The effects of pain medicines can vary from person to person, and some may be more effective in certain people than others. As many as half of the people that take these medications take too much.
Doctors say there is a threshold for pain medicine; a point at which taking more causes more side effects but doesn’t provide more benefits.
Doctors also worry that patients use over-the-counter medicine to cover up problems that need to be treated by a physician. Persistent pain usually has a cause, so before downing another pill it may be time to pick up the phone and make an appointment. Pain medicines are best used for treating acute aches and pains, not chronic pain.
Since no prescription is required, many people see no danger in over-the-counter medications. But there are still risks and potential side effects from any drug.
Studies have not determined any one pain medication to be more effective than another. It may just depend on a person’s individual body chemistry. Age and body size is important in determining safe dosages, and reading the packaging carefully is important before using any medicine- especially in children.