I'm not surprised at the latest findings that more than 30,000 people are addicted to over-the-counter painkillers in the U.K.
A Medical Practitioners' (MPs) report on drugs misuse reveals that some take a staggering 70 pills a day, which can result in serious side effects such as liver damage and stomach ulcers.
People assume any pills they buy at the drug store without a prescription are safer than prescription medication, and by and large they are -- but this doesn't hold true if they are taken to excess or for too long.
Abuse them and, like any medicine, they become highly dangerous.
There are reasons why painkillers you buy from the pharmacy have clear manufacturer's instructions on the packet -- but many people don't realize you ignore them at your peril.
Some experts argue we should restrict availability of these painkillers, but I think the key to dealing with this problem is to minimize the risk of addiction without penalizing patients who benefit from them.
This could be as simple as making people more aware that some over-the-counter painkillers can be addictive. A recent study found over three-quarters of people had no idea they could get hooked on such pills.
Which Pills Can Be Addictive?
We're talking about painkillers that contain codeine.
But, as a rule, any that are called "extra" "plus" or "ultra" tend to contain combinations of two different painkillers, the first being ibuprofen or aspirin and the second being up to 12mg of codeine. Codeine, the crucial ingredient in these extra-strength painkillers, is a member of the same family of drugs that includes morphine and heroin. It's an effective pain receptor inhibitor, enhancing the action of standard painkillers such as ibuprofen and inducing a feeling of calm and well-being. But taken in big-enough doses, they can easily become addictive with significant side effects when you try to stop. The Damage They Can DoIn the first instance, taking painkillers every day for headaches can trigger rebound pain, so you end up suffering from even more headaches. Long term, serious harm can be done to your body from overuse of over-the-counter drugs including, liver and kidney damage, stomach disorders such as ulcers or bleeding and gallstones. Depression and anxiety can also occur. Who's Buying?High-risk groups: The new report by MPs highlighted middle-aged women as most vulnerable to over-the-counter addiction. But the truth is, anyone with chronic pain such as backache, recurrent headaches or arthritis is at risk.
Having to endure pain on a day-to-day basis can make it tempting to overuse such pills. But in these cases, it's the original condition that needs to be treated properly. So instead of self-medicating, sufferers should always see their doctor who can prescribe a stronger painkiller -- but under controlled, medical supervision to ensure a safe, non-addictive dose. Am I Addicted? If you agree with any of the following, you're at risk from over-the-counter drug addiction and should see your doctor now. I need to take more than the recommended dose of painkillers. I'm taking increasingly higher doses. I find myself looking for stronger and stronger pills. I'm scared to confess how many I'm taking to my family or doctor. I hide pill packets and buy from different pharmacies or websites so people don't realize how many I'm taking. I stockpile pills in fear of running out and would never consider leaving the country without a good supply. Weaning Yourself OffOnce you've accepted you have an addiction, coming off the pills safely is vital. The key point is not to try to go cold turkey or do it alone, as the withdrawal symptoms can be pretty nasty. They include crippling headaches, anxiety, shivering, sleeplessness and panic attacks. It's vital to see your doctor for help, to first reduce the number of pills you're taking and then stop them, step-by-step.
Your doctor may also prescribe a non-addictive anti-anxiety drug to make the process less stressful. Your Safe Guide to Over-the-Counter PainkillersAlways check the label and avoid anything with codeine where possible. Paracetamol or ibuprofen should ease most aches and pains without the addictive side effects. If you think you need a stronger painkiller and have been taking over-the-counter ones for more than five days, see your doctor. Follow dose instructions on the packet to the letter, leaving a four-hour gap between pills, and never exceed the 24-hour maximum number you can safely take. Never buy painkillers over the internet. At worst they may be contaminated, at best you might be tempted to stockpile.
