Analgesics are drugs that relieve or alleviate pain, some of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
They do not ordinarily cause loss of consciousness. Analgesics can simply be put as painkillers or pain relievers.
ANALGESICS use without proper prescription can become a routine in one’s life, leading to abuse of such analgesics. Like every other drug, once your system begins to tolerate these drugs, you will need higher doses to
achieve the same effects you once got or experienced on a lower amount.
Things to know about Analgesics
They are drugs, and all drugs are poison at a level that has been scientifically proven to be detrimental to human
health.
Analgesics can be classified into three main classes such as;
1. Opioids
These cannot be bought over the counter; they are prescription-only drugs and are also called Narcotics.
Most of these drugs act on the central nervous system bringing pain to its’ minimal level or no pain at all. It is easy
to form a habit with opioids, neglecting their health implications which may occur early in treatment or with more prolonged use. Examples are codeine, tramadol, etc.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
They reduce pain by stopping the action of prostaglandins that are responsible for pain. They also reduce inflammation at the pain site and help reduce fever. Common examples are; Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, etc.
3. C0-Analgesics
These are drugs that, on their own, have different uses in medicine, but they also help improve analgesia for some severe pain conditions. Examples are antidepressants, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, etc.
Health Implications of some Analgesics Frequently Abused
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) belongs to NSAIDs with no anti-inflammatory properties but Anti-pyretic properties. Abuse of it may lead to severe liver and kidney Damage. Ibuprofen is an NSAID and its abuse may lead to anemia due to bleeding in the stomach, kidney, and liver damage, and impaired hearing.
Diclofenac is also an NSAID and abuse of it, may result in Ulceration, Internal Bleeding, heart attack, constipation, and abdominal distension.
Analgesics abuse and its health implications: What To Do
- Do not use analgesics for more than 3 days, if symptoms persist, see your doctor and adhere to your medication plans as prescribed; no less, no more. Discuss with your health practitioner if you are not comfortable with your medication plans for a review.
- Desist from the use of two or more analgesics at a time except when prescribed by a professional.
- Do not self-medicate, and do not use the medication of a friend to treat your ailment. Diseases might look the same in symptoms but are not the same considering the age, underlying disease, lifestyle, environment, and other factors.
- Seek help from your medical professionals if you find yourself addicted to a drug or substance.