Pain
can be a distressing sensation in a specific part of the body caused by some
actual tissue damage, or it can be a withdrawal of some damaging situation i.e.
during wound healing. It can be classified as acute or chronic pain. Acute is
for shorter durations whereas chronic is long-lasting or non-stoppable pain. Common
types of pain is a headache, back pain or muscle cramps, & the other
serious pains can be arthritis or after surgery pains. When pain gets
unbearable we pop up a pill or two so as to get relief immediately. But do you
know these pain killers are actually ‘slow killers’. These analgesics if taken often
can badly affect kidneys, liver, intestines, abdomen & gall bladder.
Aspirin
should not be taken by persons who are younger than 20 years of age because it
is linked to a serious illness called Reye syndrome. Many medicines have side
effects so it is necessary to consult your doctor before taking them. Over the
counter medicines i.e. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) & inflammatory medicines
like Advil & Aleve including Motrin may cause nausea, rash, liver damage,
stomach upset, & heartburn. It is mandatory to take these medicines with
food because it prevents ulcers, kidney problems & various allergies. If
taken in higher doses it may increase a risk of stroke & cardiac attack.
Other
medicines rather prescribed medications may also cause serious side effects. Various
prescribed medicines can be:
- Anticonvulsant Medicines
- Corticosteroids
- Opiate Pain Relievers
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (ssri) Antidepressants
- Serotonin & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (snri) Antidepressants,
- Tricyclic & Tetracyclic Antidepressants
Anticonvulsant Medicines can cause faintness,
lethargy, tiredness, headache, confusion & skin rashs. Prolonged use of corticosteroids can cause side
effects like nausea, vomiting, swollen hands & feet, increased hunger, risk
of infection, osteoporosis & cataract.
Opiate Pain Relievers
are
the strongest pain medicines that may cause constipation, bleeding in stomach, dizziness,
faintness, drowsiness, nausea & vomiting. These are prescribed by doctors as
per body weight or seriousness of disease, & not to be taken as self-medication.
SSRI Antidepressants may cause nausea,
loss of appetite, diarrhoea, anxiety, sleep problems, loss of sexual desire or
ability, headaches & weight gain.
SNRI Antidepressants may cause
constipation, cough, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, loss of appetite,
decrease in sexual desire or ability, sleep problems, & weight loss.
Tricyclic & Tetracyclic Antidepressants cause blurred
vision, confusion, constipation, lethargy, fatigue, dry mouth, & loss of
sexual desire or ability.
