In a tragic incident, an 18-year-old girl from a village near Musiri taluk, Trichy, died after taking too much medicine to relieve her menstrual cramps. The incident happened on August 21 in the Pulivalam area of Trichy. According to reports, the girl often suffered from severe menstrual pain and took multiple pills to ease her abdominal pain. Shortly after taking the medication, she began to vomit, so her parents took her to the primary health centre (PHC) where she was treated and sent home.
However, upon returning, she fainted, and her parents quickly took her to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) for further treatment. Despite the doctors' efforts, she passed away due to complications from the overdose.
This incident highlighted the usage of painkillers without doctor’s consultation and actually understanding the underlying cause of the pain. While interacting with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Chetna Jain, Director — Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Cloudnine Group of hospitals, Gurugram, said, “The incident in question might have occurred due to the misuse of painkillers, which are often taken to alleviate pain without considering the underlying cause.”
She further said, “For instance, someone experiencing chronic pain may self-medicate with over-the-counter painkillers without consulting a doctor. This approach can mask symptoms without addressing the root cause, leading to further complications.”
Warning about severe underlying conditions that can cause pain, Dr Jain said, “Chronic pain might indicate serious underlying conditions such as nerve damage, inflammation, or even organ issues.” Therefore, ignoring the cause and merely focusing on pain relief can delay proper diagnosis and treatment, potentially worsening the condition.
Also read: Why Should Pregnant Women Not Take Over The Counter Medicines Without Prescription?
Side Effects of Taking Too Many Painkillers
Taking too many painkillers can lead to a host of side effects, some of which can be severe. Dr Jain helped us list down some of the side effects:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, and gastrointestinal perforation if taken in excessive amounts.
- Kidney damage: Overuse of NSAIDs is also linked to kidney damage. The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood, and excessive NSAID use can lead to acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.
- Liver damage: Acetaminophen (paracetamol), commonly used for pain relief, can cause liver damage when taken in high doses. Overdosing on acetaminophen is one of the leading causes of liver failure.
- Addiction and dependency: Opioid painkillers, when used excessively or without medical supervision, can lead to physical dependence and addiction, posing a significant risk to the patient’s overall well-being.
- Cardiovascular risks: Some painkillers, particularly NSAIDs, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke when used in high doses or over long periods.
Should Painkillers Be Taken Without Prescription?
Advising, Dr Jain said, “Painkillers should NOT be taken without a prescription or medical advice, especially for long-term use or in high doses.” A doctor can prescribe the appropriate type and dosage based on the patient’s condition, taking into account potential risks and side effects. Self-medicating without understanding the proper dosage or potential interactions with other medications can lead to serious health complications. Adding further, Dr Jain said, “Relying on painkillers without a proper diagnosis can prevent the identification and treatment of the underlying cause of the pain, leading to a cycle of dependency and worsening health.”
Conclusion
While painkillers can provide much-needed relief, their use must be carefully managed under medical supervision to avoid severe side effects and ensure that the underlying cause of the pain is properly addressed.