Over the counter painkillers provide a quick solution to aches and pains but can become addictive. Prolonged use of some, such as those containing codeine, may become addictive as your body builds up a tolerance to them.
Look out for the Psychological Symptoms:
1. Extreme mood swings
2. Irritability
3. Withdrawal issues
Raymond Dixon, lead addiction therapist says in an article on allaboutyou.com says, “Of course, short-term use of painkillers to treat a headache or period pain won’t do you any harm. But if the pain hasn’t gone within a day or two, the medication clearly hasn’t done its job.”
Useful facts to know about painkillers:
- Paracetamol takes longer to leave the system and can build up over time, with a number of physical consequences, including liver damage.
- It’s important to be aware of the caffeine content in these products – particularly if you also drink caffeinated drinks, such as cola and coffee. Some painkiller brands contain particularly high levels of caffeine, which is, in its self, highly addictive.
- Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the heart and central nervous system, and increases blood pressure in the short term. So taking a high-caffeine pill could be putting a strain on your heart, too.
‘Anyone who is concerned they might be addicted to, or developing a dependency on, over-the-counter painkillers really must seek professional help,’ insists Raymond Dixon.
Nightingale’s team of experts are happy to discuss any concerns you have. Find out more about addiction and addiction treatment.
