What consequences can long-term intake of painkillers have?
December 10, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Thomas Halbscheffel and I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my health. For some time now, I have been suffering from severe pain that greatly affects my daily life. In order to alleviate these pains, I have started taking pain medication regularly. However, I am now wondering about the potential consequences of long-term use of pain medication.
Currently, I mainly take Ibuprofen for my pain. However, I am aware that pain medication is not without risks and that long-term use can have negative effects on my body. I am worried that regular intake of pain medication could have negative effects on my liver, kidneys, or stomach. Additionally, I have heard that pain medication can be addictive and that there can be withdrawal symptoms if one suddenly stops taking it.
Therefore, I would like to seek your expert advice. What are the consequences of long-term use of pain medication and how can I alleviate my pain in other ways without relying on pain medication? Are there alternative treatment methods that I should consider? I do not want to jeopardize my health and I am willing to make changes to my lifestyle in order to reduce my pain in the long term.
I look forward to your expert opinion and thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Thomas Halbscheffel
Dear Thomas Halbscheffel,
Thank you for your message and for reaching out to me with your health concerns. It is important that you educate yourself about the potential risks of long-term use of painkillers and seek out alternative treatment methods.
Regular use of Ibuprofen and other painkillers can indeed have negative effects on your health. A common side effect is the strain on the liver and kidneys, as these organs have to break down and eliminate the painkillers. Long-term use can lead to liver damage, kidney damage, and stomach problems. It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage and to undergo regular medical check-ups to detect potential damage early.
Furthermore, painkillers can be addictive, especially with prolonged use and higher doses. Abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Therefore, it is advisable to gradually reduce painkillers under medical supervision if you decide to stop taking them.
However, there are alternative treatment methods that can help alleviate your pain without relying on painkillers. These include physiotherapeutic measures such as massages, acupuncture, exercise therapy, and relaxation techniques. A healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, adequate exercise, and sufficient sleep can also help reduce pain.
I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with a doctor or pain therapist to discuss your situation in depth and create an individual treatment plan. It is important that you take your health seriously and take steps to reduce your pain in the long term.
I am here to continue supporting you, answering your questions, and assisting you on your health journey. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any further concerns.
Best regards,
Ralf Ullmann
