On Air

Our grateful thanks to the British Pain Society for the use of the support copy below. To find out about their work log onto www.britishpainsociety.org

According to a recent study  just under 40% of us are in pain frequently or constantly. 57% of us use over the counter pain relief to manage our pain with over a third worried about the side affects that using certain types/group of pain relieving drugs can produce.

Whilst experts agree that those of us living with long term pain shouldn't self prescribe/medicate, data suggests that a staggering 47% of sufferers do. The reasons for this vary but crucially a great many respondents weren't aware of  specialist pain clinic's that their GP could refer them to.  A significant number of those questioned had more faith in friends and families experiences than getting professional intervention.

What Side Effects Do Painkillers Have & The Risks Of Taking
Painkillers Long-Term?

Side effects
All medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Used in the short-term these are not generally troublesome but if painkillers are used long-term, then the extent and severity of side effects can increase. If you have any unwanted side effects
or if you have any concerns, you should seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.

Paracetamol is a safe drug, except in overdose when the liver can become damaged, sometimes permanently.

High doses or long-term use of NSAIDs may lead to indigestion, bleeding from the gut, kidney problems, high blood pressure, fluid retention, and slight increased risk of heart attack and stroke. They may also affect blood clotting and worsen asthma in about 10% of asthma sufferers. Aspirin must not be given to children under 16 years because of a very rare illness called Reye’s syndrome which can be fatal.

Prolonged use of painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine can lead to constipation, “chronic daily headache” and addiction.

Chronic Daily Headache?
If you are taking painkillers for 15 days or more a month you run the risk of getting daily or near-daily headaches that last, on average, for
more than four hours. These headaches are often linked to overuse of painkillers. Unless the overused painkillers are completely discontinued,
the chronic daily headache is likely to continue. If you suffer from this then you need to see your doctor who can help you.

How Do You Know If You've Become Addicted?

Ask yourself:
• Do you feel that you need to take the codeine/dihydrocodeine products for longer periods of time than instructed on the pack?
• Do you find yourself buying more and more pills?
• Do you feel the need to take more than the recommended dose?
• Do you feel very unwell when you stop taking the medicine but you feel better if you start taking the medicine again?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions then you need help in managing your symptoms and it is important that you talk to your doctor. If you take
the medicine according to the instructions on the pack, it is unlikely that you will become addicted to the medicine.

Although, addiction to codeine and dihydrocodeine is rare, if it does occur it is a serious problem. Never take painkillers containing codeine or dihydrocodeine for longer than three days without medical advice.