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Bad Medicine - Is Your Pain Reliever Doing More Harm Than Good?

Is Your Pain Reliever Doing More Harm Than Good?

Read this before you pop another pill. More

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Learn More: Pain Relief

Side Effects

Many kinds of medication containing NSAIDs or acetaminophen are available over-the-counter (OTC), but each has side effects that a user must consider before beginning treatment.

Acetaminophen
Short-term, occasional use of acetaminophen usually does not result in side effects. However, taking more than the safe and recommended dose of this medication can result in overdose side effects, including:

  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting
  • Appetite changes
  • Liver damage

NSAIDs
Many people are able to take an occasional, low dose of NSAIDs without experiencing side effects. Taking high doses of NSAIDs, especially for a long period of time (10 days or more), increases the risk of side effects, which may include:

  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Upset stomach and vomiting
  • Jitteriness
  • Sleepiness
  • Bloating and constipation
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers
  • Increased bleeding
  • Kidney, heart, or liver trouble
  • Heart attack and stroke (rare)
Last reviewed on: August, 2009
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