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Confused About Common Pain Killers? |
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There are many
different over-the-counter pain killers to choose from and many
people are confused about which ones to use.
 Medical
experts will tell you that they don't all work the same. What works
for one person may not work for another. The important thing is to
find a product that offers good pain relief without too many side
effects.
Here are some of the most common over-the-counter painkillers and
what pains they work best on.
Excedrin
Excedrin is a combination of caffeine, acetaminophen and aspirin.
The caffeine in it can be particularly helpful for certain types of
headaches, such as migraines. Although, in some people the caffeine
has a paradoxical effect and can actually make the headache worse,
so keep that in mind.
Aspirin
It's sold under names such as Bayer, Bufferin and Ecotrin. Aspirin
is both a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, and it is best used
for headaches and joint pains. It also acts as a blood thinner,
making it helpful for those with heart disease.
But because of its blood-thinning properties it can lead to serious
bleeding complications, so some people shouldn't take aspirin. It
also shouldn't be given to kids with a fever because it can cause a
serious brain disorder called Reyes Syndrome.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs stands for Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Common
examples are Ibuprofen which is found in Advil and Motrin, as well
as Naprosyn, the active ingredient in Aleve. Like aspirin, they are
very effective at treating menstrual cramps, as well as joint and
muscle pain. They also can help relieve headache.
Like aspirin, these medications can cause stomach irritation and
shouldn't be taken by people with kidney disease.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol. Unlike
aspirin and other NSAIDs, it does not have anti-inflammatory
properties, but is still a good choice for headaches and arthritis
pain. An added benefit of acetaminophen is that it doesn't irritate
the stomach lining like NSAIDs.
Acetaminophen is the least likely to cause side effects. But it is
cleared by the liver, so heavy drinkers and those with liver
problems should avoid taking it. Also Tylenol overdoses are very
dangerous and can lead to liver damage and even death.
It is alright to take the generic forms of these drugs. They work
just as well and are cheaper.
If you have recurrent episodes of pain such as migraines, arthritis
or lower back pain your doctor may give you a prescription. However,
prescription pain relievers often carry a higher risk of side
effects.
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Sources: Health Canada, CBS News |
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