Pain Pill Side Effects

Over-the-counter pain pills are available for everyday pains such as headaches, back pain and joint pain. Pain pills available by prescription are more potent and used for more serious pain and after-surgery recovery. The abuse of both OTC and prescription pain pills can be detrimental to your health. When using pain pills, closely follow the label directions. Before using any type of pain pill, contact your doctor so she can review your medical history and make sure the medicine is safe for you to take.

Effects On Breathing and Circulation

Occasionally, doctors prescribe pain pills to treat respiratory and circulatory health problems. Many pain pills prescribed by doctors contain opiates. When using a pain pill that contains opiates, be careful, as it can greatly effect your respiratory and circulatory rates. People who have respiratory and circulatory problems should be watched closely by their doctors while taking pain pills.

Nausea

It is common for people to feel nauseated when taking pain pills. Most users adjust to the medicine within a few days and develop a tolerance. Prescription pain pills containing opiates have a greater chance of causing lasting nausea. Wait until the nausea subsides before starting new tasks.

Mental Side Effects

Some users of pain pills may develop feelings of delirium, especially if the medicine contains opiates. If you experience this condition, contact your doctor as soon as possible. A dose reduction might stop the delirium. Allow extra time for decision-making until you know how this medicine will affect you. Monitor changes in your thoughts and report them to your doctor.

Feelings Of Constipation

Constipation is common when taking pain pills. The use of a laxative or stool softener will help ease constipation. The body cannot develop a tolerance to constipation. If the pain medicine dose increases, you also should increase the amount of laxatives or stool softeners you are taking. Users of pain pills also should drink more fluids and eat a high-fiber diet to ease constipation. Making these changes before starting to take the pain pills will lessen the chance that you become constipated while taking them.

Drowsiness

Pain pills that contain opiates may cause you to feel drowsy. It is especially common for users of pain pills to feel drowsy when beginning use, and it also may occur if the dose increases. If the feelings of drowsiness continue for more than three days, contact your doctor and ask about a dose adjustment or change in medication. Be careful when operating machinery if you feel drowsy while taking pain pills. Have someone drive you where you need to go if you do not feel comfortable operating a vehicle.

References

• Managing Side Effects from Pain Medication
• Abuse-resistant pain pills are approved by FDA
• Is There an Alternative to Pain Pills?

Resources

• FDA Orders Stronger Warnings for Pain Pills