Acetylsalicylic acid is a common over-the-counter pain relieving medication marketed under the generic name aspirin. Some studies suggest that ingesting caffeine may enhance the pain-relieving properties aspirin. Migraine, headache and premenstrual medications often contain a combination of pain relief and caffeine in pill form. Read labels for proper dosages and consult a physician before combining over-the-counter medications with stimulants such as caffeine.
Aspirin Uses
Aspirin is an anti-platelet drug commonly known as a blood thinner, which keeps blood from forming clots. Because of this, some doctors prescribe daily aspirin to prevent heart attack and strokes in at-risk patients. Aspirin is also an anti-inflammatory medication that treats many ailments including mild pain, fever, headaches and migraines.
Aspirin and Caffeine Research
Aspirin is an analgesic, or pain reliever. A study conducted by Dr. Bernard P. Satchel and associates in 1991 revealed that patients who took aspirin with caffeine felt significantly better than those who took aspirin alone. The research, titled "A Double-blind Study Comparing Aspirin With Caffeine to Aspirin and Placebo in Patients With Sore Throat" appeared in the "Archives of Internal Medicine." It also showed that patients who took both drugs together felt better faster than patients who only took aspirin.
Caffeine for Pain Relief
Caffeine is a drug that energizes the body for a time, but it also has pain-relieving properties. Some pain-relievers, particularly headache, migraine and premenstrual medication, contain caffeine. Headaches and migraines are a result of blood vessels in the head swelling and causing increased pressure on nerves within the brain. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor; it constricts blood vessels, resulting in less pressure on nerves within the brain. This relieves headaches and migraines. Another property of caffeine is its ability to help the body absorb pain-relieving medication. In premenstrual medications, caffeine also works as a diuretic to increase urination and decrease uncomfortable bloating associated premenstrual symptoms.
Caffeine Side-effects
While it might be beneficial to take caffeine with aspirin to relieve pain, like any other drug, caffeine has side effects, especially if taken in excess. Side effects may include dizziness, restlessness, irritability, nausea, shakiness, trouble sleeping, diarrhea and vomiting. Caffeine is a mild drug and severe side effects are rare. Use caution and take note of appropriate dosages when you combine caffeine and pain relievers.
References
- Drugs.com: Aspirin Information
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; A Double-blind Study Comparing Aspirin With Caffeine to Aspirin and Placebo in Patients With Sore Throat; B. Satchel, et al., April 1991
- My Family Doctor: Why is Caffeine in My Pain Reliever? A Pharmacist Answers
- Family Doctor.org: PMS
- Drugs.com: Caffeine Side Effects
Member Comments