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Why Painkillers Should Be Taken Cautiously? Painkillers or pain relievers are medications that reduce or relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis, or other aches and pains. There are many different kinds of painkillers. Prescription painkillers are powerful drugs that interfere with the nervous system’s transmission of the nerve signals when people perceive as pain. The most powerful prescription painkillers are called opioids, which are opium-like compounds. On the other hand, over-the-counter medicines are good for many types of pain, too. The most commonly used types are acetaminophen (Tylenol), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are examples of NSAIDs. NSAIDs might also be used as an ingredient in some cough and cold remedies. Many people regard painkillers as wonder drugs because these drugs allow them to carry on with their lives despite disabling arthritis, for instance, or recurrent headaches. In fact, more than 2.5 billion dollars are spent every year by Americans on nonprescription painkillers. But most people are probably not aware that all painkillers, whether by prescription or sold over-the-counter, do have potential serious side effects. In July 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that most non-aspirin NSAIDs will have to carry a stronger warning on their labels about their cardiovascular risks. They also advised people to think carefully about taking these drugs, both over-the-counter versions and prescription pills.
Labels should clearly indicate that the risk is not limited to patients with heart disease, and that patients with heart disease have a higher risk. There is also a higher risk for heart failure associated with these medications. However, there is no sufficient evidence to determine whether the risk is the same for all NSAIDs, as indicated by the FDA. FDA’s warnings are based on observational studies. Some of these studies they examined did show a clear pattern: people who took NSAIDS were more likely to have heart attacks or strokes. The serious side effects could occur as early as the first few weeks of using an NSAID, and the risk might just rise the longer people take them. Those drugs that raise the risk include ibuprofen, sold under the brand names Advil, Motrin and Midol; naproxen, sold under the brand name Aleve; and the prescription arthritis drug Celebrex. All NSAIDS, including aspirin, have been known to cause stomach and intestinal bleeding, though NSAIDS might lower the risk of some cancers, too. Though Tylenol does not raise heart disease risks and helps most people to manage pain, high doses can permanently damage the liver. Before getting any painkiller, people should first try non-drug treatments for chronic pain. For people with arthritis or back pain, for instance, should go for physical therapy, exercise, weight loss, and heat or cold therapy. These treatments might work just as well or even better. Remember this, no drug is entirely safe. Taking any drug, even one that is sold over the counter, does pose some risk. It is important for the person who wish to take it to balance the risks against the benefits. Lowest effective dose should always be taken first for the shortest amount of time possible. The American Heart Association advises people to try Tylenol first. When people have to take painkiller frequently to overcome the chronic pain, they should consult their doctors about the risks involved, especially if they have heart disease or high blood pressure. People should stop taking NSAIDs and seek medical help if they experience any symptoms that might signal heart problems or stroke, including chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness in one part or side of the body, or sudden slurred speech. For some health experts, the FDA’s warning is too vague as there is no good data to give consumers or doctors a definitive answer. Some experts blame this on the drugs being approved before current vigorous outcome data was required by the FDA. While doctors have already avoided NSAIDs for patients with congestive heart failure or high blood pressure, the public should not be overly alarmed. In fact, millions of people have been taking these drugs every year with no ill-effects.
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