What risks does long-term use of pain medication pose?
March 7, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Schlosser
Dear doctor,
My name is Nina Weber and I have been suffering from chronic pain for some time now, which significantly impacts my daily life. Upon the advice of my general practitioner, I regularly take pain medication to alleviate the symptoms. However, I am increasingly concerned about the long-term effects of these medications on my body.
Currently, I mainly take ibuprofen and paracetamol to control the pain. I have heard that long-term use of these medications can be associated with various risks. For example, it can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as stomach ulcers or bleeding. I am also aware of the potential of liver damage from paracetamol.
I would like to learn more about the possible risks of long-term use of pain medication in order to make an informed decision about my treatment. Are there alternative therapy options that pose less risk? Should I reconsider my current medication and potentially switch to something else?
I appreciate your help and support in addressing this important question.
Best regards,
Nina Weber
Dear Nina Weber,
Thank you for your question regarding the long-term use of pain medication and the potential risks associated with it. It is understandable that you are concerned about the effects of the medication on your body and are looking for alternative treatment options.
Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are among the most commonly used pain medications and can indeed carry various risks with long-term use. For example, Ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal problems such as stomach ulcers or bleeding, especially in patients who are already prone to such issues. On the other hand, Paracetamol can cause liver damage in high doses and should therefore be taken with caution.
It is important that you discuss your concerns with your doctor and develop a suitable treatment strategy together. There are various alternative treatment options that may carry fewer risks. These include physiotherapy, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, dietary changes, or herbal remedies such as devil's claw or willow bark.
Your doctor may also prescribe other pain medications that have fewer side effects or are better suited for long-term treatment. These may include COX-2 inhibitors or opioids. However, these medications should only be taken under medical supervision as they can also carry risks.
It is important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to identify and treat any potential side effects early on. Regular monitoring of your medication can also help in adjusting the dosage or changing the therapy if necessary.
In any case, it is important not to stop or change your medication on your own, but always do so in consultation with your doctor. This is the only way to ensure that your pain is appropriately treated and that potential risks are minimized.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and wish you all the best on your journey to pain relief.
Best regards,
Isabel Schlosser
