Should YOU stop taking painkillers if you do not have pain?

Here's what an expert has to say about when can you stop taking painkillers (and when should you complete the course).

By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | | Updated: May 12, 2017 4:12 pm

Stop taking those painkillers © Shutterstock

We tend to become our own doctors when it comes to dealing with common health problems like fever, cough and pain. Popping a paracetamol if you have a fever or taking a painkiller when the back starts to ache, or you experience joint pain has become quite a common thing. While it is recommended that one should always complete the course of antibiotics, we tend not to follow the same rule with other medications, especially painkillers. Is it a right idea to stop taking painkillers if you do not feel pain? Do you need to complete the course of painkillers are recommended by your doctor? Well, here is what Dr Krishnakant Debri, Senior Physician, Mumbai, has to say about taking painkillers and when should you stop taking it.

According to Dr Debri, there are many types of painkillers, of which, the commonly prescribed ones are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). And most, people take painkillers even for the slightest of the pain without a second thought. However, it is not a good idea to pop painkillers for every pain. If possible, let the pain subside on its own and in extreme cases, taking a painkiller is not a cause for concern. But that doesn’t mean you need to take one tablet each three times a day even if you do not feel the pain. The reason being, painkillers have many side-effects and hence, are not good for the health in the long run. So if you are taking painkillers, it is recommended to take it for a short period or only for the time when required. Here’s are 6 reasons why you should stop taking too many painkillers.

But if your doctor has recommended painkillers, then it is needed to complete the course and consult your doctor before stopping the painkillers. This is because, in most cases, pain is caused due to an underlying inflammatory condition, which triggers pain. In such a case, painkillers (NSAIDs) are recommended that not only relieve pain but also fight inflammation. Also, an expert needs to do a proper clinical history before prescribing painkillers as it can lead to acidity and has an effect on the kidneys. Here’s more on are your medications damaging your kidneys?Hence, Dr Debri says that doctors should prescribe medications judiciously. In some cases, the pain might subside within 2- 3 days after taking medications. However, if you suffer from arthritis or joint pain, it might take more than 3 days for the pain to subside. So you need to complete the course of the medications for the pain to subside.

Here are few things you need to know about taking painkillers.

1. Most people are not aware of which expert to consult for pain. Well, general practitioners (GPs) are the right expert to consult, but one should always consult a registered medical practitioner, who can prescribe the right medications and provide the right treatment. Experts should also keep in mind not to overprescribe medications and hence, a clinical history is of utmost importance. Also read about pain relief sprays, ointments, creams, gels and foams — which one is most effective?

2. Painkillers must be taken only after having a proper meal or breakfast and not after drinking tea or coffee in the morning or having two biscuits the first thing in the morning. In some cases, you might be recommended antacids as painkiller can lead to acidity (which is caused if you take painkillers on an empty stomach).

3. Also, you do not have to spend a bomb on medications as there are cheap and affordable painkillers available in the market, which won’t burn a hole in your pocket. This is the reason generic medications are commonly prescribed. You can also try these 4 natural anti-inflammatory agents for pain relief.

Image Source: Shutterstock

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Published: April 18, 2017 3:58 pm | Updated:May 12, 2017 4:12 pm

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