Dependence on painkillers is harmful in long run, warn experts

It may be way too common —pop an anacin for a headache one day or for menstrual cramps the next day. But this can be lethal, especially if the person exceeds the prescribed quantity or does it beyond medical supervision. There are high chances of side effects like gastric ulcers, vomiting blood and in extreme cases even renal failure. 

One of the most overused medicine is aspirin, which is actually a life-saving drug, says Dr R Madhan Kumar, director and consultant, Department of Pain Management, Global Group of Hospitals. He says, “Painkillers are metabolised in the liver and over a period of time, the organ can suffer due to overload. There have been instances of multi-organ failure due to overuse of painkillers.” Dr R Sundararaman, Head of Department, Internal Medicine, SIMS Hospital, says that easily available over the counter painkillers are the easiest options for self-medication. “People consume it at the drop of a hat. We often see people using an old prescription as reference point for self-medication. These pain killers can have a number of side effects in the long run and in some cases, they could even lead to a situation where the person might need a renal transplant.” He explains that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are a category of medicines that provide pain relief and reduce fever. “Sometimes, the side effects like analgesic nephropathy, an injury to the kidney caused by analgesic medications such as aspirin, phenacetin, and paracetamol can be arrested right at the beginning. However, the condition can become chronic in the long run,” he points out. Some of the other side effects of abuse of NSAIDs include gastric ulcers, vomiting blood or even loss of appetite. “Most often, the signs are missed and the patients seek help only when the damage is done,” he says.

Some of the earliest symptoms of overuse of pain killers are abdominal bloating, headache and swelling in the leg, says Dr P Sivaraj, physician-diabetologist, Fortis Malar, depending on the medicines. He adds that the impact can be more severe among those with hypertension or diabetes. He says, “The over use is typically higher among the elderly population that suffers from various kinds of pain. NSAIDS can raise the risk of cardiac failure. Though paracetamol can be considered a safer option here, though it must be avoided for those with liver issues.” Doctors say that if a painkiller is not yielding the desired results, it is best to consult a doctor.

Since most women continue to rely on their male counterparts, they also tend to overuse painkillers, says Dr Sundararaman. He adds, “They may want to avoid visits to doctor to save money or hesitate to go alone. However, that’s not the case with men, who seek medical help directly.”