Pain is the body's response to damage occurring to its tissues. Pain symptoms sometimes linger even when the healing process is well under way, so controlling the pain is an important part of being able to resume normal day-to-day functioning. The use of pain killers to manage symptoms is routine for many people, but it is important to recognize the possible side effects of these drugs.
Acetaminophen Side Effects
Acetaminophen is a widely used over-the-counter medication helpful in controlling different types of pain ranging from headaches to arthritis to back strains. Acetaminophen has few side effects. If taken in very high doses, for extended periods of time or with excessive use of alcohol, this medication can lead to liver damage.
NSAID Side Effects
NSAIDs are available over the counter as well as by prescription. They are a group of medications that work to lessen pain and decrease swelling in the body. This classification includes aspirin, naproxen, meloxicam and ibuprofen. Stomach irritation and nausea are typical mild side effects which can generally be avoided if the medications are taken with food.
FamilyDoctor.org reports that the incidence of bruising increases with use of this family of pain meds and that bleeding of the lining of the stomach is also possible. Less common side effects can include hypertension and kidney damage.
Opioid Side Effects
This classification of pain killers is available by prescription only. The list includes morphine, dilaudid, codeine, and fentanyl. Some of the milder side effects of opioids include constipation, dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, itching, blurred vision and fatigue. More serious consequences are fainting, confusion, slowed heart rate and slowed breathing. Seizures have also been reported in some cases. According to R. Benyamin in "Opioid Complications and Side Effects," these medicines are capable of causing physical dependence as well as addiction and patients are monitored closely by physicians to prevent these possible outcomes.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Pain Relievers: Understanding Your OTC Options
- "Pain Physician"; Opioid Complications and Side Effects; R. Benyamin, A. M. Trescot, S. Datta, et. al.; March 2008
