Pain Pill Poppers
Posted January 26, 2009 1:59 PM
The Damage They Can Do
In 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.
Source: YellowBrix, Daily Mirror
Comments (7)
Have something to say? Share your thoughts.
Posted January 27, 2009 5:57 PM
WHAT I GATHER WITH READING THIS IS EDUCATING US OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS CAN BE ADDICTIVE AND HARMFUL IF WE ABUSE THEM. AND MIGHT CAUSE DAMAGE IN OUR BODY. THAT I KNOW OF CODEINE IS NOT SOLD OVER THE COUNTER. I AM A RECOVERING DRUG ADDICT AND ABUSER..
Posted January 27, 2009 5:57 PM
WHAT I GATHER WITH READING THIS IS EDUCATING US OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS CAN BE ADDICTIVE AND HARMFUL IF WE ABUSE THEM. AND MIGHT CAUSE DAMAGE IN OUR BODY. THAT I KNOW OF CODEINE IS NOT SOLD OVER THE COUNTER. I AM A RECOVERING DRUG ADDICT AND ABUSER..
Posted January 27, 2009 5:53 PM
Yes, I m writing from the US, Indeed codeine in doses ranging from 8 mg up to some meds with 15 mg of codeine are available in just about every country on planet earth except the United States. The medical lobby prefers to see 15,000
ER cases for bleeding ulcers from aspirin or ibuprofen overuse than to permit
full grown adults in the US decide that they need something stronger that tylenol or aspirin for that migraine. Of course we are in the land of the free though aren t we?
Posted January 27, 2009 5:02 PM
Do you mean that codeine is legal in over the counter drugs there?
Posted January 27, 2009 4:40 PM
Over-the-counter medications do not contain codeine -that is a prescription-only drug.
Many over-the-counter medications DO contain caffeine, is that what you were trying to tell us?
Posted January 27, 2009 4:39 PM
Over-the-counter medications do not contain codeine -that is a prescription-only drug.
Many over-the-counter medications DO contain caffeine, is that what you were trying to tell us?
Posted January 27, 2009 4:02 PM
Why didn't you tell us what over the counter meds cause what problems? This article basically just says if you take any pill your and addict and none of us reasding it know which ones to avoid.
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