Can someone explain pain killers to me please
As I am getting older, I am experiencing the aches and pains associated with age etc. I have only been used to taking paracetamol and ibuprofen ( i have taken codiene twice in my life). However, my friends talk about pain killers like codeine, tramadol, naproxen and some others…. Interestingly, i have tramadol, naproxen and codeine in my medicine cabinet, but have never taken them (with the exception of codeine twice, after being prescribed by doctors)
I have never even considered taking when in pain as to me they are drug drugs.. feel free to laugh at my ignorance im sure.
What exactly are they and what would warrant taking them opposed to paracetamol and ibuprofen?
What pains would warrant me taking certain types of pain killers over the others?
Ive tried researching the internet but i just end up on medical journals etc and I dont really understand them
Many thanks if anyone can shine a light on these types of pain killers
In: 1
Pain killers work by messing up transmission or receiving of pain signal in one way or another.
Codeine and morphine are opioids. They bind opioid receptors is nervous system cells, messing up their ability to transmit pain signal.
Opioids are also addictive and are drugs of abuse. If you are offered one, it would be a good idea to think carefully whether you need it. You may as well be making a bargain with the devil. Needless to say, prescription of opiates is a very controversial topic. See Oxytocin disaster.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs). They bind a different type of receptors. They are less powerful than opiates, but are not addictive. However, constant use can cause liver damage. There is data showing that they can be as opiates when taken together at high doses, but I am not qualified to properly assess that claim.
So, when you take which will be your decision. Your physician will be wble to look at your particular situation and give a recommendation. When it comes to severe pain and opiates, there is no clear answer on what one should do.
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