Is There an Addiction to Over-the-Counter Pain Medications?

It’s definitely not worth taking paracetamol and ibuprofen in packs.

For those in a hurry, let’s say right away: over-the-counter painkillers do not cause tolerance and physiological dependence. And if you want to understand the issue better, continue reading.

What Painkillers Are There?

All painkillers can be divided into three groups:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),

paracetamol,

opioids.

Some drugs from the first two groups can be bought without a prescription from a doctor.

Paracetamol is not only a group of drugs, but also the name of the active substance used in painkillers.

The group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs includes more active ingredients. And in some medications they can be combined. The most famous NSAIDs: ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac, naproxen.

How Painkillers Work

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs enter the bloodstream and are distributed throughout the body. At the site of inflammation, the NSAID “attaches” to the site of the cyclooxygenase enzyme and blocks it. Because of this, the body reduces the formation of prostaglandins – substances responsible for inflammation.

With paracetamol, things are a little more interesting. Scientists do not fully understand how exactly it works. But it is now thought to block neurotransmitters in the brain that communicate pain and regulate temperature.

The mechanism of action of opioids is different. They reduce the sensitivity of the nerves. That is, the inflammatory process continues, but the person simply does not feel it.

While managing pain effectively is crucial, exploring enjoyable activities can also contribute to well-being. For instance, engaging in recreational activities like playing at National Casino can offer a delightful diversion and an opportunity for relaxation. It’s important to enjoy such experiences responsibly, ensuring they remain a positive part of a balanced lifestyle. 

What Is the Difference Between Addiction and Tolerance

Tolerance is a weakened response of a person to a drug. It occurs when a product is used for too long and the body adapts to the constant presence of the substance.

Addiction is a treatable, chronic disease whose course is influenced by a person’s brain circuits, genetics, environment, and life experiences.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol usually do not cause tolerance.

Can painkillers cause addiction?

Yes they can. But this applies more to opioid drugs. If a person takes these drugs for a long enough time, he has to continue to use them to avoid withdrawal symptoms. This is a condition in which, without opioids, a kind of hangover and withdrawal occurs.

But NSAIDs and paracetamol do not cause physiological dependence. But after long-term use, signs of psychological addiction may appear:

craving for taking the drug;

anxiety;

symptoms of depression – feelings of hopelessness and sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in most activities that arise if you do not take the medicine;

sleep problems;

feeling that you need to create a supply of the drug at home;

the desire to drink the drug, even if the person knows that it will cause problems.

How Long Can You Take Painkillers?

Over-the-counter NSAIDs can be taken for up to three days to reduce fever and up to 10 days for pain. The exception is if the doctor told you to take them longer.

Paracetamol has no recommended time limit. If you do not exceed the dosage, you can take it at least every day. But this should not be done unless necessary and prescribed by a doctor.

It is worth remembering that every medicine has side effects. And over time, they can outweigh the benefits the drug brings. So it’s still not worth taking painkillers just in case.

What to do if you think you have developed tolerance to painkillers

Talk to your doctor. Most likely, it is not a matter of addiction to the drug, but of pain or its perception.

Perhaps the condition has worsened, the pain has become stronger. Or changes have occurred in the brain, due to which the neurons are more susceptible, so the unpleasant sensations are now more acute.

The specialist will find out the possible cause of the problem and tell you how to deal with it. And if the problem is really painful, the doctor will select the appropriate medicine or combination of medicines. For example, if the headache is caused by taking an NSAID, you may need to switch to a different group of drugs.