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Prescription Pain Relievers: Understanding the Risks and Benefits

Howard Blair

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Prescription pain relievers are a common treatment for pain. They can be effective in reducing pain, but they can also be dangerous. It is important to understand the risks and benefits of prescription pain relievers so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

Prescription Pain Relievers (Understanding Drugs)

by Mary Harwell Sayler

4.9 out of 5

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Types of Prescription Pain Relievers

There are two main types of prescription pain relievers: opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Opioids are powerful pain relievers that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Opioids include drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl.
NSAIDs are less powerful pain relievers that work by reducing inflammation. NSAIDs include drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.

Risks of Prescription Pain Relievers

Prescription pain relievers can have a number of serious risks, including:

Addiction: Opioids are highly addictive, and even short-term use can lead to addiction. Addiction can lead to a number of problems, including job loss, financial problems, and relationship problems.
Overdose: Opioids can cause overdose, which can lead to death. Overdose is more likely to occur when opioids are taken in high doses or in combination with other drugs, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Death: Opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. In 2017, more than 70,000 people died from opioid overdoses.
Gastrointestinal problems: NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, NSAIDs can cause serious gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers and bleeding.
Kidney problems: NSAIDs can cause kidney problems, especially in people who have kidney disease. In some cases, NSAIDs can cause kidney failure.
Heart problems: NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart problems, such as heart attack and stroke. In some cases, NSAIDs can cause heart failure.

Benefits of Prescription Pain Relievers

Prescription pain relievers can also have a number of benefits, including:

Pain relief: Prescription pain relievers can be effective in reducing pain. They can be used to treat a variety of types of pain, including pain from surgery, injuries, and chronic conditions.
Improved mobility: Prescription pain relievers can help improve mobility by reducing pain. This can make it easier to perform daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of bed.
Increased quality of life: Prescription pain relievers can improve quality of life by reducing pain and improving mobility. This can make it easier to enjoy activities that you love, such as spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working.

How to Use Prescription Pain Relievers Safely

If you are prescribed prescription pain relievers, it is important to use them safely. Here are some tips:

Take your medication as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed, and do not take it for longer than prescribed.
Do not combine prescription pain relievers with other drugs, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. This can increase the risk of overdose.
Be aware of the risks of prescription pain relievers. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of your medication so that you can make informed decisions about your health.
Store your medication in a safe place. Keep your medication out of reach of children and pets.
Dispose of your medication properly. When you are finished taking your medication, dispose of it according to the instructions on the prescription label.

Prescription pain relievers can be effective in reducing pain, but they can also be dangerous. It is important to understand the risks and benefits of prescription pain relievers so that you can make informed decisions about your health. If you are prescribed prescription pain relievers, be sure to use them safely and follow your doctor's instructions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to prescription pain relievers, there is help available. Please contact a substance abuse treatment center or call the National Drug Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for assistance.

Prescription Pain Relievers (Understanding Drugs)

by Mary Harwell Sayler

4.9 out of 5