How to Use Painkillers
A painkiller is any medication that you take to alleviate pain. Painkillers can either be purchased over the counter or prescribed by your physician. Painkillers must be used carefully since some varieties are addictive and all painkillers are dangerous to your health when taken incorrectly (See References 1). Because of this, anyone currently taking medication to reduce pain should exercise extreme caution whether it is over-the-counter or prescription medication.
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Instructions
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1
Read the bottle or prescription insert carefully. You may need to take the medicine with food or avoid driving after taking it. The medicine bottle or prescription insert will also inform you of any possible side effects from taking the medication.
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Take the pain medication only as your doctor instructs. In the case of over-the-counter painkillers, take no more than the directions on the bottle advise.
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Take the minimal amount of medication needed to successfully manage your pain. Even if you are permitted to take the painkillers more often, only do so if you are actually suffering discomfort due to pain. Painkillers are not like regular prescription medications which must be taken regularly to preserve good health.
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Call your doctor if you experience any severe side effects from taking either prescription or over-the-counter painkillers.
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Ask your doctor to switch your pain medication if you feel that it is not working properly or you are displaying signs of addiction when you do not regularly take the medication. Some signs to watch out for are depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping (See References 1).
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