WHEN PAINKILLERS REALLY ARE YOUR FRIEND

1

Some people say they want to feel how bad the pain is, or that they don’t want to be knocked out or get addicted. Painkillers won’t deal with the fundamental problem, but lessening pain will allow you to get on with life. There’s no reason to suffer stoically if you use painkillers sensibly.

2

Take the lowest dose of the mildest painkiller, usually ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol. Read the instructions: if the standard adult dose is two tablets, and you just take one, it’s not going to do much good.

3

You probably know which painkillers suit you. But if you need an anti-inflammatory – for joint pain or sports injuries – aspirin and ibuprofen work best.

4

Rather than upping your dosage, it may be a good idea to combine painkillers, such as paracetamol plus ibuprofen. For information, speak to your pharmacist.

REMEMBER...

Painkiller addiction can occur with codeine, tramadol, Solpadeine and gabapentin, among others. GPS see a huge number of people with medication-overuse headache. Signs of addiction might include taking painkillers routinely rather than waiting for pain, feeling unwell if you don’t take them or panicky if you don’t have a supply, and taking them secretly. If you’re worried, see your GP. It’s very important to be weaned off painkillers properly.