Painkillers are commonly used to help people deal with pain, whether it’s short-term or long-lasting. For many, these medications provide much-needed relief. However, new research has shown that some widely used painkillers may carry serious health risks. These risks involve the heart, kidneys, immune system, sleep patterns, and even weight gain.
One study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham looked at non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These are a common type of painkiller used to reduce pain and swelling. The researchers studied how NSAIDs affect animals with heart disease. They used a drug called carprofen and found that it caused low-level inflammation in the heart and kidneys.
When the animals also experienced a heart attack, the inflammation became worse. This study, published in the journal Life Sciences, suggests that NSAIDs might be dangerous for people who already have heart problems.
Another large study from Denmark looked at the effects of an NSAID called diclofenac. Researchers studied medical records from over 6.3 million adults.
They found that people who started taking diclofenac had a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke within 30 days, compared to those who used other painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen—or even paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen).
This research, published in The BMJ, also showed that people taking diclofenac had more cases of irregular heartbeat, stroke, heart failure, and heart attacks. These findings suggest that some painkillers may carry more heart-related risks than others.
In the UK, researchers at Newcastle University explored how painkillers might be connected to obesity and poor sleep. They looked at health data from more than 133,000 people in the UK Biobank. Their study focused on painkillers like gabapentinoids (such as gabapentin and pregabalin) and opiates, which are often given for long-term pain.
The researchers found that people who used these drugs were twice as likely to become obese and often had trouble sleeping. These medications can make people feel drowsy and less active, and they may also change taste preferences, making people crave sugary foods. This study was published in PLOS ONE and raises concerns about the long-term use of such medications.
Together, these studies show that painkillers, while helpful in treating pain, can also lead to other serious health problems. People with heart conditions, kidney issues, or concerns about weight and sleep should be especially careful. It’s important for both patients and doctors to think carefully about the risks and benefits before using these drugs.
There may be other ways to manage pain that are safer, such as physical therapy, exercise, or other non-drug approaches. When painkillers are needed, it’s a good idea to use them only for a short time and to be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
These findings remind us that even common medicines can have side effects, and staying informed is key to making safe health choices.
If you care about pain, please read studies about how to manage gout with a low-purine diet, and a guide to eating right for arthritis.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the link between processed foods and chronic diseases, and avoid these 8 foods to ease arthritis pain.
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