Steps for Using Prescription Pain Medications Safely

Some day or the other, each of us gets prescribed for a painkiller. Painkillers are usually safe and come under prescribed medication. But if a person gets hooked to it, the consequences could be lethal. Painkillers or opioids abuse leads to blurred vision, organ damage or dizziness. It is always advisable to take painkillers under strict medical supervision and for the prescribed period of time.

What are the problems associated with painkillers?

Prolonged use of opioids can lead to several problems. There might be some unwarranted reactions with other medicines:

1. Your new prescription painkiller medicine may conflict with earlier drugs you are already taking. Your prescribing doctor may not be aware of other medications or supplements. You may have forgotten to mention supplements to your doctor that might contradict with your prescription.
2. You might develop allergic reactions to the painkiller medicine.
3. Your body might not be used to opioids and cannot tolerate them well. This means you are opiate naïve.
4. You might have accidently get the wrong dose or medicine.
5. With medicines being sold online, your pharmacy may sell you a counterfeit version of a drug without realizing it. This is a growing issue these days.

What are the common safety mistakes while using pain killers?

It is paramount to follow proper directions about how a painkiller drug should be taken. Mistakes can lead to severe symptoms, temporary or permanent health damage, organ damage, addiction, dependency or even fatalities.

The common mistakes one makes while taking painkillers are:

1. Taking the wrong medicine.
2. Taking painkillers with other drugs causing counter-effects.
3. Taking medication against the physician’s advice.
4. Taking the next dose too early may also cause an overdose. Regular use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
5. The use of a second painkiller may lead to poisoning.
6. Long waiting time between two doses can cause pain or withdrawal symptoms.
7. Eating certain foods and beverages can reduce the effectiveness of painkillers.
8. When painkiller is combined with alcohol it can be very dangerous. But even seemingly harmless things (such as grapefruit juice) may interfere with the pain relief effect of painkiller medicine
9. Stopping painkillers all of a sudden might lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fast heartbeat, heavy sweating or anxiety.

How to take painkillers safely?

The use of painkillers has to start when your doctor prescribes them to you. The following are some necessary steps to ensure safety:

1. While buying painkillers (such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen) or other prescribed drugs, be sure to read the label and package. The instructions written over the package will remind you of everything from drug reactions to food reactions, as well as the possible harm that may be caused by long-term use.
2. Always inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. Because any supplement medicine can contradict with painkillers.
3. Ask questions to your prescriber before consuming painkiller.
4. Find out which side effects are worthy of attention. Once the medication has started, side effects may occur. Ask your doctor about the side effects that should be brought to his/her attention immediately. Severe vomiting should be reported immediately, or when your mouth is dry. If you have not taken painkillers before, be aware of the side effects because your body might not be able to adapt to these side effects.
5. Always take medicines as directed and in case of confusion always call your doctor.
6. Painkillers may trigger side-effects but don’t quit on your own. Call your doctor to discuss about your side effects and do as your doctor says.
7. Maintain a journal of your experience about the drug.

Get help from a rehab

Taking painkillers without proper prescription or taking someone else’s prescribed painkiller can cause reaction. Usually reaction due to painkillers may vary from person to person. It can cause reaction if taken with some other medicines, with any other food or beverage. It is always advisable to take prescribed painkillers only and use them judiciously.

If you or your loved one is grappling with opioid addiction, get in touch with Mind Health Network. You can call our 24/7 help at  to get more information about a psychiatric center near you. You can also chat with our admissions consultants to learn more about treatment plans and our network of mental health centers.