What Is an Analgesic?
Though they’re widely used as painkillers, long-term use of analgesics can be risky.
An analgesic is a medicine that relieves pain.
These drugs can be sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drug.
There are different types of analgesics, as detailed by the Cleveland Clinic, including:
Analgesics are commonly used to treat pain due to arthritis, surgery, injury, toothache, headache, menstrual cramps, sore muscles, or other causes.
Different analgesics work in different ways, notes Yale Medicine.
Opioids reduce the pain signals sent by the nervous system and the brain’s reaction to those pain signals.
Acetaminophen works by changing the way the body senses pain.
NSAIDs block the effects of prostaglandins (chemicals in the body with hormone-like qualities), reducing both pain and swelling.
Your risk of experiencing side effects from an analgesic depends on the type you take and how long you take it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, side effects of analgesics may include:
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have before taking an analgesic.
Children shouldn’t take aspirin because a serious condition known as Reye’s syndrome can occur.
Taking large amounts of Tylenol can harm your liver. Don’t take more than 3 grams (about six extra-strength pills or eight regular pills) in a day, notes Harvard Health Publishing.
NSAIDs may increase your risk of stomach bleeding, heart attack, or stroke. Talk to your doctor about these risks.
If you take an opioid for a long time, you could develop a dependence as your body gets used to the drug. Some people also become addicted to opioids. Addiction or abuse can occur when someone simply can’t control their intake or is using the medication to perform a specific function, such as unwinding from stress or trying to feel more confident. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern.
When you first start taking an opioid, you may need to avoid driving — or performing other tasks that require alertness — until you know how you react to the medicine.
Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you’re taking before starting on an analgesic.
Follow the instructions on your prescription or package label carefully. Don’t take more of the medicine than is recommended.
If you suspect an overdose of an analgesic, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Alcohol can worsen certain side effects of analgesics.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medicines, especially analgesics that contain acetaminophen, due to increased risk of liver damage. You should also avoid drinking alcohol with opioids, as this mix can severely impact alertness and judgment
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding a baby before taking an analgesic.
You’ll have to discuss the risks and benefits of taking the medicine with your doctor.
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