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.
