A painful problem

Taking the odd ibuprofen or paracetamol for a headache or sore back is normally fine (as long as you don’t fall into certain categories – see box below), but prolonged use can be problematic. ‘we get worried when someone is self-medicating with painkillers for a long-term condition, such as arthritis.’ not only can it cause heart problems and internal bleeding, but addiction can be an issue, too.

Painkillers containing opiates, such as codeine, can be addictive. ‘Those with a history of substance misuse (including alcohol and cigarettes), OCD sufferers and patients with chronic illness are more susceptible,’ says Dr Foster. and the more you take, the more ineffective the drug becomes, and therefore the more you need. ‘although the amount of codeine in over-the-counter medication is limited, it’s the paracetamol combined with the codeine (often sold as co-codamol) that can really do damage,’ he explains.

overdosing on paracetamol can cause fatigue, abdominal pain and nausea, eventually leading to kidney and liver damage. opiates can cause pain too. Continuous use of codeine over several months to treat tension headaches or migraines causes over one million people in the UK to suffer from painkiller or ‘rebound’ headaches. ‘Ironically, the best way to treat them is to come off the painkiller,’ explains Dr Foster.

So when is the right time for painkillers? Dr Foster assures us that over-the-counter remedies used very occasionally are usually harmless. ‘But, if the pain is constant and impacting your life, avoid self-medication and visit your GP.’ ✱ Dr Jeff Foster is a GP at TFJ Private GP services, in the west midlands. For more info, visit tfjprivategp.co.uk, follow Dr Foster on Twitter (@doctor_jef) or email jeff.foster@ tfjprivategp.co.uk.