If you have ever had surgery or broken a bone, odds are you have taken a pain killer. Pain killers are a common medication that helps to treat any form of pain. However, there are many different types of painkillers, each with its own side effects.
In this article, we will discuss the most common side effects of painkillers. We will also provide information on how to deal with these side effects. If you are taking pain killers and experience any of the following symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately!
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Weight Gain
As far as side effects of painkillers go, weight gain is by far the most common. This is because these medications tend to increase appetite while also slowing your metabolism. As a result, people who take painkillers regularly may find that they start to put on weight, even if they are not eating any more than they usually would.
In some cases, this weight gain can be significant, leading to health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If you are taking painkillers and you notice that you are starting to gain weight, it is essential to talk to your doctor about other options that may be available.
Constipation
Pain killers are a necessary evil. They help you to cope with pain when you’re injured or in discomfort, but they can also have some undesirable side effects – one of which is constipation. Constipation occurs when the bowel muscles slow down or stop altogether, preventing waste from passing through the digestive system. A number of different things can cause this, but painkillers are one of the most common culprits.
Painkillers work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, but they can also block signals that tell the bowel muscles to contract. As a result, the bowel muscles slow down, and waste cannot be passed correctly.
If you are taking painkillers on a regular basis, it is vital to be aware of this side effect and take steps to prevent it. Several over-the-counter treatments can help, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about constipation.
Fatigue
Painkillers are a standard go-to when feeling under the weather. But while they may provide relief from your symptoms, they can also cause fatigue. Fatigue is a feeling of general tiredness or exhaustion, and it is due to many factors, including painkillers. So how do painkillers cause fatigue? Well, painkillers work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. However, these pain signals are also responsible for alerting the brain when you need rest.
So, when you take painkillers, the brain doesn’t receive the signal that you need to rest, resulting in you feeling fatigued. In addition, some painkillers can cause drowsiness, further contributing to fatigue. If you’re taking painkillers and feeling tired, it’s important to talk to your doctor to see if there are any other options that might be helpful.
Stomach Bleeding
Some painkillers can even cause stomach bleeding. This is because they can irritate the stomach lining, causing tiny cuts and tears. The most common type of painkiller that can cause stomach bleeding is aspirin. Other painkillers that can cause this side effect include ibuprofen and naproxen. If you take any of these medications, it is crucial to be aware of the potential for stomach bleeding. Symptoms of stomach bleeding include black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, and abdominal pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for stomach bleeding caused by painkillers typically involves discontinuing the medication and taking antacids or other medication to reduce stomach acidity. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the stomach lining.
Kidney Damage
At this point, it is no secret that painkillers can cause serious side effects. Another potential problem caused by these medications is kidney damage. Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood. When they are damaged, they can’t do their job properly. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body and eventually to kidney failure. Unfortunately, when painkillers are working to stop the pain, they also interfere with the kidney’s ability to filter blood.
There are many different types of painkillers, and they all come with their own risks and benefits. If you’re concerned about the potential side effects of painkillers, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you choose a painkiller that is right for you and provide advice on how to use it safely.
Blurred Vision
Painkillers are a go-to remedy for many common ailments, but another worrisome side effect they may cause is blurred vision. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, many believe painkillers interfere with how the eye nerves process visual signals. This can lead to symptoms such as double vision, trouble reading, and reduced color perception. In some cases, the blurriness may only be temporary and will resolve once the medication has cleared from the system.
However, in other cases, the effects may be permanent. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of this potential side effect before taking painkillers. If you experience any changes in your vision while taking painkillers, be sure to speak with your doctor immediately.
Addiction
Though often thought of as innocuous, painkillers can be addictive and even dangerous. Many painkillers are opioids, a type of drug that is known to be habit-forming. In fact, opioid addiction is a growing problem in the United States, with more than 2 million people suffering from addiction. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain, reducing the perception of pain. However, they also produce feelings of pleasure and can be highly addictive.
Some common painkillers that are opioids include oxycodone and hydrocodone. Though they may be effective at treating pain in the short term, they can have serious consequences in the long term. Those suffering from opioid addiction often have difficulty holding a job, maintaining relationships, and carrying out other basic tasks. Therefore, if you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to painkillers, it is essential to seek help as soon as possible.
Be Aware Of The Side Effects Of Painkillers
As you can see, there are many potential side effects of painkillers. While these medications can be effective at treating pain, they also come with a risk of serious side effects. If you’re considering taking painkillers, be sure to speak with your doctor first. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits and ensure you take the medication safely. And remember, if you or someone you love is dealing with side effects from pain killers, it is vital to seek help as soon as possible!
