I guess most of us have used painkillers one or the other time, with complete trust(and ignorance too!).
but I have had some horrible experience recently.
The culprits . none other then so called relatively safe anti inflammatories ->Brufien (Ibuprofen) and diclofenac.
though these are prescribed for muscle and joint pain. beware even if u have a little of acidity problem .
I recently underwent surgery after multiple fractures on my left upper arm. pain after the surgery was immense and unbearable for first few hours. they gave me a sedative by name’pethedine’(a narcotic). it reduced the pain to a great extent and I fell asleep.
My woes started thereafter. it caused so much stomach irritation that I couldnt eat anything for two days thereafter.
Ok. I got discharged. and was advised to take Hifenac SR(diclofenac derivative) or ibuprofen, for the first few weeks as pain was sure to arise.
I used to take hifenac. and every morning I had severe stomach pain and burning sensation. my initial guess was food poisoning or my eating habits. Even though I knew these painkillers may cause slight irritation I persisted like a fool.
I changed to ibuprofen and alas!. it was worse.
How do these NSAID’s wok:
NSAIDs work to block the effect of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which in turn produce chemicals which cause inflammation/swelling. Thus by controlling cyclooxygenase, the pain was reduced. But here lies the catch. these enzymes also help in protecting the stomach lining .so if u inhibit them u damage stomach lining!.
Then there are second generation NSAIDs. called COX2 inhibitors which supposedly dont cause stomach irritation but most of these(like rofecoxib(vioxx) etc.) were banned recently.
Anacin or paracetamol never work for anything greater then a mild headache.
So surprisingly we dont have much choice.
Opiates(Morphine, codiene.). just forget them .coz u wont get them or even if u get .ull be addicted and sedated and they too are no less irritating then NSAID.
So if u have severe muscle / joint pain .and u have acidity problems. please dont resort to pain killers. they will damage ur gastro intestinal systems.
Rather. go for a oil massage and hot water treatment.(may not be very effective but still works)
My list of the effectiveness of commonly used painkillers
*Paracetamol/crocin/metacin(acetaminophen) -> Mostly antipyretic, slightly analgesic, kills very mild pain, Least side effects. but doesnt work!
Aspirin: effectiveness -> slightly better than Paracetamol but sure to cause irritation
Ibuprofen: Much more effective then other two but will screw ur stomach if ur sensitive.
Diclofenac/derivatives: as good as Ibuprofen with equally disastrous effets if not more.
Naxid(naproxen) -: I havent used it . but supposed to be stronger then above two but more side effects.
Opiates-: forget it!