Painkillers are one of man’s biggest innovations, especially in the medicinal field. Pain is universal, and unless you have a very rare condition like Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIP) or Congenital Analgesia, you will need painkillers to manage your pain at least once in your lifetime. But are painkillers the ultimate solution, and should you be taking them every time you experience discomfort? Can excessive use of painkillers lead to additional health problems? And how much is really too much? In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, answers all of these questions.
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When Should You Really Take Painkillers?
Painkillers are a set of medications used to ease pain. However, it's important to follow prescribed dosage and timing and to also consider natural alternatives to pain management.
Certain painkillers are available over-the-counter, meaning they can be bought at pharmacies to treat mild to moderate pain. According to InformedHealth.org, the largest group of Over-The-Counter (OTC) painkillers are the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are used to reduce inflammation, but, unlike other anti-inflammatory medicines, they do not contain steroids.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs are used in the treatment of many different kinds of pain, including headaches, period pain and toothache. However, it is important to note that not all NSAIDs are available without a prescription. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is another very widely used painkiller that is available without a prescription. These help relieve acute pain.
What Happens To Your Body When You Take Painkillers Frequently?
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According to Dr Pillai, taking painkillers too often can quietly hurt your body over time. "At first, they seem helpful by easing pain and helping you get through the day. But frequent use can lead to problems. Your body may get used to them, so you need more to feel the same relief. This reliance can turn into dependence."
The doctor adds that painkillers like ibuprofen can also upset your stomach, damage your kidneys, or raise blood pressure if taken too much. Stronger ones, like opioids, can slow down breathing, cause constipation, or make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Over time, they can even affect your mood and memory.
However, this does not mean you stop taking your medication suddenly. "When your body gets used to painkillers, stopping them suddenly might make the pain feel worse. "That's called 'rebound pain'," warns Dr Pillai.
Research even suggests that certain NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, increase the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. But this is mainly if you take high doses over a long period of time.
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Painkillers That Carry The Highest Risk
Some painkillers can cause serious problems if you take them often for a long time. Opioids like tramadol, codeine, or morphine are strong painkillers. According to Dr Pillai, they work well for short-term pain but can be risky over time. “Your body may get used to them, and you might need more to feel the same relief. This can lead to addiction, drowsiness, mood changes, or even breathing problems.”
On the other hand, NSAIDs like ibuprofen or diclofenac are common for headaches or joint pain. But using them too often can hurt your stomach, cause ulcers, and damage your kidneys, she shares.
They can also raise your blood pressure or affect your heart. Paracetamol is safer when used correctly. But too much can seriously harm your liver. Even though painkillers help, they’re not always the best long-term solution.
Research published in StatPearls Publishing suggests that NSAIDs can have adverse effects affecting the gastric mucosa, renal system, cardiovascular system, hepatic system, and haematologic system.
Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of certain contraindications, especially in patients:
- With NSAID hypersensitivity or salicylate hypersensitivity, as well as in patients who have experienced an allergic reaction (urticaria, asthma, etc.) after taking NSAIDs.
- Who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery
- During the third trimester of pregnancy
- Renal failure
Signs You’re Taking Too Many Painkillers
Painkillers can help manage pain, and therefore, once you're used to them, you're likely to lose track of how often you take them. However, your body can show signs.
According to Dr Pillai, one common sign is that you'll feel the need to take them more often just to feel okay.
If you notice your pain returns quickly after the medicine wears off, or you get daily headaches, it could be a warning.
Additionally, you might also feel tired, dizzy, or confused more than usual. Stomach pain, heartburn, or nausea could be side effects, especially with medicines like ibuprofen.
If you're using opioids, signs include constipation, drowsiness, or feeling low and moody.
Alternative Pain Management Strategies
While severe pain requires medical intervention, mild to moderate pain can sometimes be managed with physical therapy, gentle exercises like yoga, stretching, regular walking, and heat or cold packs.
According to Dr Pillai, some people also find relief through mind-body techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or counselling, especially if stress or emotions add to their pain. "Doctors may also suggest non-addictive medicines, like certain antidepressants or nerve pain tablets, which can help with long-term pain."
More importantly, it’s important to look at your lifestyle – having good sleep, healthy food, and staying active can make a big difference.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your doctor if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]