Many people take painkillers to manage everything from sore muscles to long-lasting pain. These medicines often help people feel better and continue with their daily lives.
But new research is showing that some popular painkillers might cause serious health problems, especially if they’re used for a long time or by people who already have other health issues.
One group of painkillers being studied is called NSAIDs, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group includes common drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. A study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham looked at how one of these drugs, called carprofen, affected animals that had heart disease.
The researchers discovered that carprofen caused mild inflammation in the animals’ hearts and kidneys. When the animals had a heart attack, the inflammation got worse. This means that taking these kinds of drugs could be risky for people with heart problems.
Another big study from Denmark focused on diclofenac, a painkiller many people use. This research involved more than 6 million adults. It showed that people who started using diclofenac were more likely to have serious heart issues—such as heart attacks, strokes, or irregular heartbeats—within just one month.
These problems happened more often than in people using other painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen, or even paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen). The study was published in The BMJ and warns that diclofenac should be used very carefully, especially for anyone with heart risks.
But the worries don’t stop there. Another study from Newcastle University in the UK looked at other drugs often used to treat chronic pain, like gabapentin, pregabalin, and opioids. These drugs help with nerve pain and more serious long-term pain.
However, the researchers found that people taking these medications were more likely to become overweight and have trouble sleeping.
The study used health data from more than 133,000 people in the UK. It showed that these drugs can make people feel sleepy and less likely to be active. They might also change a person’s taste and appetite, leading to cravings for sugary foods and weight gain. This research was published in PLOS ONE.
Altogether, these studies tell us that while painkillers can be helpful, they also come with risks. These include heart problems, kidney issues, weight gain, and poor sleep. These side effects can be even more dangerous for people who already have health problems like heart disease or diabetes.
That’s why doctors and patients should think carefully before using painkillers, especially for a long time. For short-term pain, these medicines may be okay. But for long-term pain, it might be better to try other options like physical therapy, relaxation techniques, or safer types of treatment.
If painkillers are needed, it’s important to take the lowest dose that works and to check in with a doctor regularly. In the end, pain relief is important—but not at the cost of our long-term health. Making smart choices can lead to better and safer ways to manage pain.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about heart disease hidden and essential vitamins for heart health: a guide to a healthy heart.
For more about heart health, please read studies about the stuff in your mouth that can increase heart attack risk and statin alternative lowers risk of heart disease as well as cholesterol levels.
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