Why Painkillers can be dangerous to Health?

by Veraaj Verma writer

We’re residing in a nation where over 20% of the country’s population suffers from at least one of the non-communicable diseases, which are estimated to cost India USD 6.2 trillion during the period 2012-2030.

We are unknowingly surrounded by diseases and in turn medications! The most commonly used medications are the painkillers, either prescribed by doctors or taken over the counter. In India, more people than ever are taking painkillers, for some they make work well but, even your trusted medicines can lose their grip once your body is used to it. Surprised? It is much hidden!

Generally, the painkillers do not work well in case of long-term pain or recurring pain. Some medications work for a short tenure pain due to, say, surgery or broken bone. They may not be that effective for long-term pain like arthritis, lower back pain or nerve pain. If you’re taking pills from the last doctor prescribed prescription, you may be at risk! The disease and symptoms may not be the same every time.

In some cases, we stock medicines at home, various bulk options are available when you order medicine online. They can be far more dangerous, people often consume expired medicines without checking the date mentioned on the pack, just because they are stored and stocked at home. a recent study in the Journal of Pain found that 74% of chronic noncancer pain patients reported experiencing severe to excruciating breakthrough pain.

Moreover, all painkillers carry risk, even the OTC ones. The painkillers can be harmful especially when taken incorrectly. Painkiller abuse even kills a substantial number of people every year. They can affect a person in both the ways, the short-term effects are not so serious health issues, whereas the long-term effects can include death due to overdose.

Short-term effects of painkillers

Most painkillers that are typically abused fall under the opiate category. When a painkiller attaches to the opioid receptor, it prevents a chemical known as GABA from being released. This chemical normally controls the release of dopamine, along with a couple of other neurotransmitters, which causes dopamine to flood the brain, creating the high. Various side effects including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are usually caused by the way drug interacts with opioid receptors along with digestive tract.

What are the long-term effects of painkillers

The long-term effects also depend on how the drug is taken. Crushing and injecting the tablet into the bloodstream can cause long-term heart damage and other cardiovascular issues, and can increase the likelihood of a heart attack. Even injecting injectable solutions creates track marks that can become infected. Injecting painkillers or any type of drug, especially if done under non-sterile conditions or in association with shared needles elevates one's risk of contracting serious blood-borne illnesses.

Medicine Overdose in Children

Medicine overdose in children can be dangerous, get them vaccinated in the initial 2 years against the leading diseases. Order vaccines online to make sure they never miss a dosage. Keep the medication away from the reach of children as they may even take high dosages which can result in severe liver damage.

Stay known and avoid painkillers until a dire need!