Pain Medications Pose Hidden Dangers as Opioid Crisis and Over-the-Counter Risks Surge

Clear Facts

• Prescription painkillers, especially opioids, pose significant addiction risks and potential for overdose.
• Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can lead to serious health issues, including hospitalizations and deaths.
• Tramadol, another popular pain medication, has been linked to seizures and other severe side effects, particularly in older adults.

When was the last time you scrutinized the label on your pain medication? Even the most benign over-the-counter drugs can have harmful effects, and the dangers of prescription painkillers are even more pronounced. The opioid crisis has been a prominent issue in recent years, with skyrocketing rates of abuse and overdose.

Opioids, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and meperidine (Demerol), are known for their addiction risks. While the likelihood of addiction may seem low, caution is advised when using these medications.

Hydrocodone-acetaminophen, known as Vicodin, is the most popular pain medication in the U.S. This combination of an opioid and a non-opioid is used to manage moderate to severe pain. However, the addictive nature of opioids makes long-term use risky.

Experts warn that while opioids may not pose a problem if used for only a few days after surgery, prolonged use can lead to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and increased dosage needs, affecting anyone.

Ibuprofen, the generic form of Advil and Motrin, ranks as the second most popular pain medication. It’s used for various conditions, including headaches and arthritis. However, it is not without risks. People often overlook the potential dangers of over-the-counter medications, but they can be significant.

Studies reveal that NSAIDs like ibuprofen cause 107,000 hospitalizations and 15,600 deaths annually among arthritis patients. It is advised to “take no more than 400 to 600 milligrams, three times a day, with food,” to avoid serious adverse effects.

Tramadol, an opioid analgesic, is the third most popular pain medication. It is often used for moderate to severe pain, especially post-surgery. However, tramadol is not without its dangers.

Older adults account for a significant portion of tramadol-related emergency visits and hospitalizations, with risks like seizures and serotonin syndrome being a concern.

In conclusion, while pain medications offer relief, they come with significant health risks. It’s crucial to be informed and cautious when using both prescription and over-the-counter painkillers.

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