Caffeine is best known as an energizer, but it has mild pain-killing properties, as well. The drug is sometimes mixed with aspirin or other over-the-counter pain relievers to make a more effective product. The caffeine has its usual stimulant effect, yet also increases the effectiveness of the analgesic. The combination is better for pain treatment than aspirin alone.
Definition
Caffeine is a drug from natural sources like coffee beans, although it can also be synthesized. People who drink it in beverages, eat it in foods, or consume it in energy drinks and medications get a mild stimulant effect since it works on the central nervous system. Aspirin is a drug from a family of substances called salicylates. This drug is a pain reliever, reduces fever and inflammation, and helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin is available over the counter in various name brand and generic pain relief products.
Combination
In addition to being sold individually--aspirin as a pain reliever and caffeine as an alertness aid--they are also sold in a combination pill. Caffeine helps stop pain, although its effect is milder than other analgesics. Dr. Russell Portenoy of the Beth Israel Medical Center advises that it boosts aspirin's effectiveness. Caffeine also increases the pain relieving capacity of other OTC analgesics, like ibuprofen. Drug manufacturers add caffeine to preparations with aspirin and other pain relievers marketed for headaches, muscle aches and other pain, as well as for colds and flu. Some remedies even combine multiple pain relief drugs with caffeine.
Considerations
Pain preparations with aspirin and caffeine are generally safe and effective, but too much caffeine has adverse effects on some people. You may inadvertently consume too much caffeine if you regularly drink caffeinated beverages like tea or coffee and use a pain reliever without checking its contents. Most people don't experience any ill side effects if they limit themselves to four cups of coffee or less per day. You may get too much caffeine if you drink four cups and take a combination pain reliever. The Mayo Clinic warns that the stimulant can make you jittery and nervous in high quantities, increase your heartbeat and give you an upset stomach, .
Warning
Caffeine is addictive and causes withdrawal symptoms when you cut out your daily consumption, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The symptoms include depression, aches, stiffness and vomiting, although these effects wear off within several days if you maintain your abstinence. Carefully read any painkiller labels before you take them to treat your withdrawal symptoms. You will restart the addictive cycle if you inadvertently take a remedy made from caffeine and aspirin or another pain reliever.
References
- ABC News; Why Do Some Over-The-Counter Pain Killers Contain Caffeine; Is That Good?; Russell Portenoy; November 2008
- Drugs.com: Aspirin
- Drugs.com: Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Caffeine
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine, How Much is Too Much? March 2011
- Johns Hopkins Medicine; Caffeine Withdrawal Recognized as a Disorder; September 2004
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